The influence of coconut shell as coarse aggregates in asphalt mixture

Significant quantities of coconut shell (CS), a by-product of agriculture, can be used as an artificial source of coarse aggregates. In this study, four CSs were used as coarse aggregates replacement in asphalt concrete with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% weight volumes. The particle sizes of the CSs used as main coarse aggregates range from 5 mm to 20 mm. The Marshall Stability test shows that the optimum bitumen content for asphalt mixtures is 5.1%. The engineering properties investigated include the volumetric, dynamic creep, indirect tensile strength, and resilient modulus. Test results show that stability decreases with increasing CS content because of high water absorption. Considering that CSs absorb bitumen, a further detailed investigation is needed to assess the performance of modified bitumen on mixture. Furthermore, the use of CSs as coarse aggregates in asphalt concrete help increase the resilient modulus, stiffness, and indirect tensile strength up to 30%. Generally, a 10% replacement of coarse aggregates with CSs is the optimal limit. © 2016 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.