A study on the influence of steel fibers on the performance of Fine Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (FRAP) in pavement quality concrete

Abstract With natural resources becoming scarce day by day, there is a need to find sustainable alternatives to raw materials for concrete. In the current study, use of Fine Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (FRAP) as a substitute to natural fine aggregates (NFA) and effect of crimped steel fibers on the strength and durability of concrete is being studied. RAP, removed old flexible pavement containing asphalt and aggregates, if processed correctly, can be a good source for fine and coarse aggregates. The variables of study included FRAP content (0–100%) and steel fiber content (0% and 1%). For all replacements of NFA with FRAP, a systematic reduction in hardened properties was observed. Even though the compressive strength of concrete increased marginally by adding fibers, the tensile characteristics of concrete improved by about 40–50%. The water absorption, volume of permeable voids, and sorptivity were used as measures of durability characteristics of the concrete, increased with FRAP content increased and decreased with addition of fibers. These results suggest that if appropriately designed, up to 50% of FRAP can be used as a partial replacement to NFA.