DOI: 10.11648/j.ajcbm.20261001.13 ISSN: 2640-0057

Optimization of the Mechanical Performance of Bituminous Asphalt Mixtures Modified with CECABASE 300 Additive Using Impure and Friable Aggregates from Cameroon

Ngo Aurelie, Zoa Ambassa, Amba Chills
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This paper focuses on the dynamic analysis of bituminous pavements subjected to severe mechanical and climatic stresses leading to distresses such as rutting, thermal cracking, and structural fatigue. These phenomena are particularly pronounced in tropical environments, where the variability and often limited quality of local materials especially friable and impure aggregates compromise the durability of road infrastructures. In such contexts, improving the properties of the bituminous binder through additive modification represents a relevant approach for optimizing asphalt mixture performance. The present study aims to evaluate the influence of a specific additive, CECABASE 300, on the mechanical behavior and durability of bituminous mixtures produced using local materials. An experimental investigation was conducted by incorporating CECABASE 300 at dosages ranging from 0 to 0.6% by weight of bitumen. The resulting formulations were characterized using standardized mechanical tests, including the Marshall test, moisture susceptibility test (ITSR), rutting test, stiffness modulus determination, and the measurement of the real density of asphalt mixtures (MVRe). In addition, compactness assessments were performed on cores extracted from a trial pavement section under real field implementation conditions in order to verify the air void content. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in moisture damage resistance (ITSR), fatigue performance, and the overall durability of asphalt mixtures modified with 0.3% additive, providing an optimal balance between stiffness and flexibility. The incorporation of the additive also enabled full compliance with the specified performance requirements. Furthermore, these findings offer promising perspectives for enhancing the long-term durability of road infrastructures in general. An optimization of air void content and compactness was also observed, indicating improved internal cohesion of the material. This study therefore demonstrates the effectiveness of binder modification using CECABASE 300 in improving the performance of bituminous asphalt mixtures under Cameroonian conditions and contributes to the development of technical solutions adapted to the constraints associated with the use of local friable and impure aggregates.

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