Freeze and Thaw Effect on Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Modified with Natural Bentonite Clay

This study aimed to investigate the effect of freeze and thaw (FT) cycles on the performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures modified by partial replacement of mineral filler of the aggregate with natural bentonite clay (NBC) in order to reduce damage that occurs due to rapid FT cycles within the pavement structure. After exposure to FT cycles, AC mixture stability is reduced and becomes lower than minimum requirements, which leads to earlier damage of pavement. In order to enhance the AC mixture’s abilities to sustain severe FT cycles, this study used NBC amounts as a substitute for mineral filler by weight of its portion of the total aggregate: 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Marshall stability, flow, and FT cycles were tested, and interior damage degree was assessed by a nondestructive test called ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results revealed the viability of combining NBC with asphalt mixtures for the purpose of improving the mixtures’ properties, particularly in environments where asphalt pavement is exposed to alternating FT cycles. The results also revealed that replacement of filler with NBC by 5% in AC mixtures reduced the damage caused over 8 continuous weeks of rapid FT cycles by 13%, which, in future applications, would reduce maintenance cost and prolong the pavement’s service life.