Abstract
This paper introduces bio-binder as a partial replacement for bituminous binder on highway and airport pavements. The proposed bio-binder is produced from the thermochemical conversion of swine manure. Bio-binder is then blended with virgin binder to produce bio-modified binder (BMB). In addition to being a renewable alternative for petroleum-based binder, the production and application of bio-binder may provide a solution for the management of swine manure waste. Furthermore, the application of bio-binder will improve asphalt binder's properties while reducing asphalt pavements' construction cost; the cost of bio-binder production is $0.54/gallon compared with that of asphalt binder $2/gallon. However, although the BMB has improved low-temperature properties, it may decrease the high-temperature grade of the binder. To address this concern, we in this paper investigate the feasibility of applying polyphosphoric acid into BMB. Using BMB in asphalt pavements can reduce mixing and compaction temperatures and ageing and stiffening characteristics of the reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAPs) and virgin binders.
Acknowledgements
The materials used in this paper are based upon the work supported by the National Science Foundation (grant numbers 0955001 and 0923425). The authors would like to acknowledge the invaluable support provided by S. Hamoush and A. Shahbazi of North Carolina A&T State University and T. Arnold of the Federal Highway Administration. The contents of this paper reflect the view of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.