Studying the Effect of Syrian Natural Zeolite On Properties of Asphalt Binder

Abstract

In the last years, many researchers studied production of warm asphalt concrete by using
organic, chemical and water-bearing additive )synthetic zeolite). The purpose of this research is to study the
effect of Syrian natural zeolite on the physical and rheological properties of asphalt binder and verify of
using it to produce warm asphalt concrete (as a binder modifier or as additive to asphalt concrete), in addition
to economic benefits by saving on the cost of synthetic zeolite. In this study, natural zeolite characterization
has been investigated via X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermal Gravimetric
analysis (TGA). Natural zeolite was added to asphalt binder with different percentages (3, 4, 5 and 6%) by
weight and to determine the effect of natural zeolite on properties of asphalt binder, penetration at )25(°∁,
softening point, ductility, viscosity at (110, 120, 135)°∁ and RTOFT tests were carried out on both modified
and unmodified aged asphalt binder with natural zeolite. According to the test results, it has been seen that
the addition of natural zeolite improves properties of the asphalt binder and an increase in its resistance to
fatigue, and do not make a substantial difference on the workability of the asphalt binder. So the effect of
the mixture of natural zeolite additives on the workability could not be predicted on asphalt binder, therefore
the direct effect of additives should be studied on the asphalt mixtures.