Stone mastic asphalt is a gap-graded mix and is usually related to its high bitumen content and its skeleton-like constitution. Although famous for its durability, high resistance to fatigue and rutting, issues such as bleeding and premature aging do occur in the mix since it has a high bitumen content and voids due to its gap-graded structure. In order to encounter these problems from affecting the mix, some instances such as adding additives, rejuvenators and stabilizers into the mixture has been implemented. Nowadays, nano materials are being used in the asphalt mixtures and nano titanium is being introduced as a modifier to the asphalt binder in order to improve the mechanical properties of the stone mastic asphalt mix. The related tests done in order to access the improvement are resilient modulus, dynamic creep, moisture susceptibility and binder drain down. The content of nano titanium used in this research are 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%. This study is done to assess the mechanical performance of stone mastic asphalt with nano titanium modified binder.

The physical properties determining the strength parameters of bituminous mixtures are strongly influenced by the processes of placement and compaction. The effectiveness of this process depends on the compactive effort and is directly related to the mixture temperature. This research focused on the assessment of compactibility of mixtures designed for reflective crack relief interlayers (RCRI) which, in most cases, are applied in thin layers. The materials analysed for compactibility in this research included AC – asphalt concrete, AC AF – asphalt concrete “anti-fatigue”, SMA – stone mastic asphalt and SMA-MA – stone mastic asphalt rich in bitumen mastic. The gyratory compactor method was used to determine the compaction slope K, the locking point LP and the compaction densification index CDI. All the tested mixtures were fine-graded, i.e., contained grains up to 8 mm in diameter, each mixed with a different type of bituminous binder. The values of CDI show a substantially greater input of energy required for compaction of high-polymer modified mixtures, as compared to mixtures of the same design, yet containing the 50/70 bitumen. Locking point analysis showed that SMA and SMA-MA mixtures attain 98% relative compaction before reaching the locking point at which the aggregate skeleton starts to resist further compaction. This is quite the opposite as with the AC and AC AF mixtures. Among the tested mixtures the best compaction behaviour was observed in the case of SMA-MA 8 50/70, and this over a wide range of working temperature (100–160C°) and pressures (150 kPa, 600 kPa). The design of the mixture SMA-MA as an anti-fatigue layer assumes an increase in the content of filler and binder, as compared to conventional SMA. This composition is bound to reduce the resistance to compaction, i.e., provide a better compaction behaviour as compared to a conventional SMA mixture.

All over the world, highway traffic is increasing rapidly, as is the population and the road network. The country’s maximum and minimum temperatures also vary greatly. Moreover, the pavements are subjected to various types of damage. Pavement binders and mixtures are a constant area of research and development for scientists and engineers. Adding fibers to bituminous mixes may improve the properties of fatigue and strength of the material. Natural fibers may be used to improve asphalt mixtures performance due to their inherent compatibility with asphalt cement and excellent mechanical properties. Also, the high stone content and relatively high asphalt content in SMA mixture led to the occurrence of drain-down of the asphalt mastic from the mixture, and this problem requires the use of stabilizing additives such as cellulose fibers, mineral fibers, or polymers to mitigate this problem and ensure long-term performance. The most public sort of stabilizing additives is cellulose fiber. Overall, natural fibers in stone mastic asphalt mixes are discussed in this paper. An additional focus is on how asphalt concrete will be affected by natural fibers, mixing techniques, and managerial decisions. According to the review, the stabilizing and strengthening impact of natural fibers on the performance of asphalt mixes have been extensively researched. Natural fibers can significantly increase the rut and flow resistance of asphalt mixtures. Adding natural fibers to pavement can increase structural resistance to pavement distress.