Asphalt cement modification technology

As part of a study team working on the rehabilitation of Ghat Airport, located in the desert in southwest Libya, a study was undertaken by the Italian company CONICOS to apply a new asphalt cement modification technology. This study aimed to enhance asphalt quality and improve asphalt-concrete mechanical characteristics, in particular, thermal resistance. The proposed modification was achieved by adding special products and agents. These additives included polymers and anti-stripping agents. By using this new technology, we were able to enhance the characteristics of asphalt to make it able to withstand the stresses of fatigue. The asphalt was also able to sustain thermal stress resulting from the large margin of difference between maximum and minimum seasonal temperature in that area. The new technology also resulted in the reduction of the permanent deformation and rutting of the asphalt. After many laboratory tests, we decided to use a combination of two different additives at certain percentages. With this new Job Mix Formula, we were able to obtain loss in heating of 0.3%, a softening point of 53 °C, loss in penetration of 39% of the original, and a ductility of more than 100 cm. The results have been implemented at other similar projects and have proved to be effective, economical, and applicable in the region