Effect of Beach Sand on Properties of Bituminous Concrete Mix

Demand for modifications is increasing throughout the world parallel to develop the existing highway materials to fulfil the increasing demand of vehicles. Some materials produce good effect and enhance the strength as well as qualities of bitumen. On the other hand, some materials are responsible for adverse effect on the bitumen. The present study, the focus was given to find the effect of Beach Sand in bituminous concrete mixes. Samples were prepared by varying the amount of Beach Sand 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight of aggregate mix. Marshall Property test, Moisture susceptibility test (ITS and RTS) were conducted as per MoRT&H, AASHTO and ASTM standards. The stability value of bituminous mixes were found to be decreasing with increase in Beach Sand content in bituminous mix at the OBC of the conventional mix. Here it is essential to note that instead of conducting the tests at OBC of respective non-conventional mixes OBC is kept constant (i.e. OBC of conventional mix). Since the objective of this project is to make the mix economical, a slightly different approach of maintaining a constant bitumen content is adapted. It is understood that Bitumen is the costliest material used in flexible pavement and every possible effort is to be made to reduce the quantity of bitumen to be used.