International Journal of Technical Innovation in Modern

Engineering & Science (IJTIMES)

Impact Factor: 5.22 (SJIF-2017), e-ISSN: 2455-2585
Volume 4, Issue 12, December-2018

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF BITUMEN

USING CORN COB ASH (CCA) IN BITUMINOUS MIX
P Lavanya Roopa#, M Udaya Sri*, Dr. NC Anil#, P Sanyasi Naidu#
1
PG Student, 4Assistant Professor 3Associate Professor, 4Assistant Professor,
1234
Civil Engineering, 1234Sanketika Institute of Technology and Management
Abstract—The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Corn Cob Ash on Hot mix Asphalt
Bituminous Mixture and compare the mechanistic properties with conventional hot mix asphalt through the
laboratory testing programs. Hot mix Asphalt (HMA) is mainly used for construction and maintenance of
bituminous roads in India. In the present study HMA is partially replaced with Corn Cob ash for the
construction of flexible pavement. The conventional method of road construction involves the burning of
bitumen to a higher temperature and mixing it with aggregates and then laying the pavement. So, our study is to
partially replace that HMA with Corn Cob Ash (CCA).
Corn Cob is the central cylindrical core on which the corn seeds are present. It is one of the agricultural waste
products and it has many advantages in many industries as filters, fodder for live stock, bedding purposes for
animals etc. Corn Cob Ash when used in Experimental study of partial replacement of Cement have yielded
good results by increasing compressive strength, decreasing water cement ratio and it is environmental friendly
also. Hence our aim is to check whether the properties of it would be suited as a partial replacement for bitumen
binder.
In this study an attempt is made to compare the Marshall properties and check its suitability for Partial
replacement of bitumen for bituminous Concrete (BC) Grade-2.The adopted mixing temperature for HMA was
160ºC and for conventional mix the bitumen was taken at a rate of increment of 0.5% starting with 4%, 4.5%,
5%, 5.5% and 6%. Then for the optimum of conventional bitumen mix and then for optimum bitumen content
(OBC) the replacement of Corn Cob Ash was done at a rate of increment of 2% beginning with 5%, 7%, 9%,
11%, 13%. The outcomes showed that the addition of Corn Cob Ash has matched with bitumen and gave the
strength desired to that of the conventional bitumen mix. Hence this study highlights the scope of using Corn
Cob Ash as a partial replacement for bitumen and making bitumen economical.

Key Words: Hot mix Asphalt (HMA), Corn Cob Ash (CCA), Bituminous Concrete (BC), Bitumen, Optimum
Bitumen Content (OBC).
I. INTRODUCTION
A. General
Asphalt, is also known as bitumen. It is a sticky, black, and highly glutinous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It
may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product and is categorized as a pitch. The word Asphalt is derived from
the Ancient Greeks. The main use (70%) of asphalt is in road construction, where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with
aggregate particles to make asphalt concrete. Other key uses of it are for bituminous waterproofing products, including
production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs. The terms "asphalt" and "bitumen" are frequently used interchangeably to
mean both natural and factory-made forms of the substance. In American English, "asphalt" (or "asphalt cement") is generally
used for a refined residue from distillation process of the selected crude oils. Outside the United States, the product is often
termed "bitumen", and geologists worldwide often choose the term for naturally occurring variety. Common informal usage
often refers to various forms of asphalt as "tar", as in the name of the La Brea Tar Pits.
Naturally occurring asphalt is occasionally specified by the term "crude bitumen". Its viscosity is alike to that of cold
molasses while the material obtained from the fractional distillation of crude oil boiling at 525 °C (977 °F) is occasionally
referred to as "refined bitumen". The Canadian province of Alberta has most of the world's reserves of natural asphalt in
Athabasca oil sands, which cover 142,000 square kilometers (55,000 sq mi), an area bigger than England. The expression
"bitumen" originated in Sanskrit words jatu, meaning "pitch", and jatu-krit, meaning "pitch creating" or "pitch producing". The
Latin equivalent is claimed by some people to be originally gwitu-men (pertaining to pitch), and by some others, pixtumens
(bubbling pitch), which was subsequently shortened to bitumen.
Natural asphalt is obtained directly from the nature particularly from the two resources such as lakes and rocks. The
lake asphalt contains 40 to 70 % of pure bitumen which is boiled in tank and then the water content evaporates, and impurities
are separated. The final product is named as asphalt which can be used for laying roads etc. Rock asphalt comprises 10 to 15%
of pure bitumen and calcareous matter. These rocks are crushed, heated and consolidated by sudden cooling. This asphalt is
used for paving tiles etc.

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Fig 1 Rock Asphalt and Asphalt Lakes

Bitumen is obtained by partial distillation of crude petroleum. It is also called as mineral tar and is present in asphalt
as well. It comprises of 87% carbon, 11% hydrogen and 2% oxygen.

Fig 2 Bitumen
B. Asphalt Technology Based on Temperature
Bituminous mixture is a blend of bituminous materials (asphalt binders), properly graded aggregates and additives. It
was divided into four categories based on mixing temperature. Those four categories are cold mix, half warm mix, warm mix
and hot mix asphalt.

C. Introduction to HMA
Roads are a vital component in nation building and one of the most effective modes to establish socio-economic and
political networks and plays a major role for a man to step out from place to place. So, laying of roads and the running of
vehicles are increasing day-by-day. In India, majority of road network is occupied by bituminous pavement in which Hot Mix
Asphalt (HMA) is used predominantly as a paving mix for the past several decades.
The conventional method of road construction entails the burning of bitumen. This is produced by heating the asphalt
binder to decrease its viscosity and then drying the aggregate to remove moisture from it prior to mixing. Mixing is generally
performed with the aggregate at about 300 °F (approximately 150 °C) for virgin asphalt and 330 °F (166 °C) for polymer
modified asphalt, and the asphalt cement at 200 °F (95 °C). Paving and compaction must be done while the asphalt is
sufficiently hot. In many countries paving is limited to summer months because in winter the compacted base will cool the
asphalt too much before it is able to be packed to the required density. HMA is the form of asphalt concrete generally used on
high traffic pavements such as those on major highways, racetracks and airfields. It is used as an environmental liner for
landfills, reservoirs, and fish hatchery ponds as well.

D. Need of HMA and Its importance for India

HMA pavement mixtures are supposed to perform over extended periods of time under a variety of traffic and
environmental conditions. Specialized mixes have been developed to meet specific needs. An example of this is the OGFC,
which is designed to improve friction and reduce splash and spray from pavement while decreasing noise levels. There is
recognition in the transportation field that even as the future emphasis in HMA mixture design is on Super pave. Attention
must be given to improved guidance on mixes designed to meet specific needs. HMA industry organizations have recognized
that while many of these pavement mix types have been used successfully in certain applications, some have also been placed
in applications inappropriate for the mix type. HMA mix type selection for both high volume and low volume traffic use,
resulting in unnecessary increase of construction costs in some cases. Moreover, with the reduction in staff and retirement of

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experienced pavement specialists from many government agencies, there is a need to provide guidance to those responsible for
designing and specifying the applications of HMA mix types.

E. Background of CORN COBS

CORN COBS:
A corncob, also known as cob of corn, is the central core of an ear of maize. It is the part of the ear on which
the kernels develop. The ear is also considered a "cob" or "pole" but it is not fully a "pole" until the ear is taken off, or removed
from the plant material around the ear. It is the thick cylindrical central core of maize. It is one of the agricultural waste
products obtained from corn or maize, which is the most valuable cereal crop.

Fig 3 Cross section of a Corn Cob

D. Objectives of The Study
The main objective is to study the effect of using Corn Cob Ash in HMA as a replacement to Bitumen.
The study was carried out with following objectives:
1. To conduct the basic property tests on aggregate and bitumen to meet specifications.
2. To conduct the experiments on HMA mix by using Corn cob Ash at 160oC and without Corn Cob Ash.
3. To find study and compare the results of HMA for Bituminous Concrete (Grade-2) specified by MoRT&H and Corn
Cob replaced bituminous Concrete.
4. To find out the suitable mix proportion for HMA with replacement of Corn Cob Ash
5. To use Corn Cob Ash as a partial replacement for bitumen.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

A. Materials Used
 Coarse Aggregates (Gravel)
 Fine Aggregates (Natural Sand, stone chippings)
 Filler Material (Crushed Stone Dust)
 Binder (Bitumen)
 Replacement Material (Corn Cob Ash)
B. Present Research Methodology:

Fig 4 Laboratory Research Plan

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Table 1. Gradation of aggregates

Amount of aggregate taken in this binder Table 2. Physical properties of Corn Cobs:
content (in gm).
Sieve size % retained 1193.7 Physical state Solid
in mm Intermediate adopted adopted 1200 5 1187.5 181.25 1179.13 color Light Brown, Pale Red
Moisture content of cobs 6.38%
19 100 100 -
Weight percentage 18.23%
13.2 90-100 94 6 84 83.56 83.12 82.68 82.53 Particle size of cobs (concave 0.106 mm & 0.925mm
inward)
9.5 54-70 62 32 408 405.87 403.75 401.62 400.90 Average particle size of cobs 0.56mm
Average bulk density for cobs 282.38kg/
4.75 26-39 34 28 312 310.37 308.75 307.12 306.57
Table 3. Chemical Characteristics of Corn Cobs
2.36 21-28 24 10 96 95.50 95 94.50 94.33
Ash content 1.33%
1.18 17-25 21 3 48 47.75 47.50 47.25 47.16 Lignin 35.2%
Cellulose 41.5%
0.6 15-22 18 3 48 47.75 47.50 47.25 47.16 Hemi cellulose 13.0%
Others 8.97%
0.3 13-19 16 2 36 35.81 35.62 35.43 35.37

0.15 09-15 12 4 48 47.75 47.50 47.25 47.16 Table 4. Chemical composition of Corn Cobs
Constituent Corn Cob Ash (%)
0.075 08-13 10 2 12 11.93 11.87 11.81 11.79 Si 47.78
A 9.40
Filler 0 0 10 108 107.43 106.87 106.31 106.12
F 8.31
Bitumen
Content 4% 4.50% 5% 5.50% 6%
CaO 16.70
MgO 7.80
M 2.70
O 5.42
O 1.89
C. Making of Corn Cob ASH (CCA):

For the making of CCA for our experiment the Corn Cobs are first dried completely for a week under sunlight and
they are burnt in a pan by pouring all of them into the pan.
When the cobs are burned completely Ash is formed in the pan and then the fire puts off on itself. They are set aside
and allowed to cool down completely to room temperature. After cooling them to a room temperature the Corn Cob Ash is
sieved by sieve analysis using the pans 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600mm, 300mm, 150mm and 75μ. Now after the sieve
analysis the ash retained on 75μ pan was collected and used for experiment.

Fig 5. Burning of Corn Cobs Fig 6. Burnt Corn Cobs

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` Fig 7. Corn Cob Ash before sieving Fig 8. Sieves used for Ash Sieving
D. Mixing of Corn Cob ash with bitumen:
For the present study of Corn Cob Replacement into bituminous mix initially 5% was considered and then 2% incremental
replacement has been done i.e., 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%. The Corn Cob Ash was sieved using Sieve Analysis and the Ash
retained on 75microns was used for sample preparation. While adding Corn Cob Ash into bitumen a stirrer was used to stir the
sample for mixing the CCA uniformly with bitumen and then added to the heated aggregates. Bitumen was heated to a
temperature of 125ºC and aggregates to a temperature of 175ºC temperature.

Fig 9. Corn Cob Ash taken for mixing with bitumen Fig 10. Mixing of Corn cob ash with bitumen and aggregates

III. MARSHALL STABILITY TEST

A. Marshall Mix Design
The objective of the design of bituminous mix is to ascertain an economical blend through several trial mixes. This test
procedure is used in designing and evaluating bituminous paving mixes and is widely used for the paving jobs. There are
several methods available for mix design which varies in the size of the test specimen, compaction, and other test
specifications.
There are three principal bituminous mix design methods in general use are:
1. Marshall Method
2. Hveem Method
3. Super pave Method
Marshall Method of mix design is the most popular one and is widely used method. In India, bituminous mix is
commonly designed by Marshall Method. This test is formulated by Bruce Marshall, formerly Bituminous Engineer with
Mississippi State Highway Department.
Two major features of Marshall method of designing mixes are -
1. density-voids analysis
2. stability-flow test
The Marshall Stability and Flow test gives the performance prediction measure for Marshall mix design method.
B. Stability:
Strength is calculated in terms of the ‘Marshall’s Stability’ of the mix following the specification ASTM D6927,
which is defined as the maximum load carried by a compacted specimen at a standard test temperature of 60°C. In this test
compressive loading was applied on the specimen at the rate of 50.8 mm/min until it was broken. The temperature of 60°C
represents the weakest condition for a bituminous pavement.
1 Flow
Flexibility is calculated in terms of the ‘flow value’ which is measured by the change in diameter of the sample in
the direction of load application between the start of loading and at the time of maximum load. While loading, an attached

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dial gauge measures the specimen's plastic flow (deformation) due to the loading. The associated plastic flow of specimen at
material failure is known as flow value. The flow value is recorded in 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) increments at the same time when
the maximum load is recorded.
The density- voids analysis is done using the volumetric properties of the mix and also Optimum Bituminous
Content (OBC)is calculated from the plots.
The Bituminous Concrete (BC) mix tests are conducted as per Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(MoRT&H, 2001) specifications and ASTM standards. Specifications are tabulated in table

Table 5. MoRT&H Requirements for BC

Mix design parameters Requirement for BC
Minimum stability@60°C Min. 9KN
Flow value(mm) 2 to 4
Air void content, percent 3 to 5
Bitumen content, percent Min. 5.4
Voids in mineral aggregate(VMA) 14%
Voids filled in bitumen (VFB) 65% to 75%
Stability to Flow ratio 2 to 5

C. Marshall Mix Parameters and Formulas

1. Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity of the Mix (Gt): -
Theoretical specific gravity Gt is the specific gravity without considering any air voids.
W1  W2  W3  Wb
Gt 
W1 W2 W3 Wb
  
G1 G2 G3 Gb
Where,
W1 = weight of the coarse aggregate in total mix
W2 = weight of the fine aggregate in total mix
W3 = weight of the filler in total mix
Wb = weight of bitumen in total mix
G1 = apparent specific gravity of the coarse aggregate
G2 = apparent specific gravity of the fine aggregate
G3 = apparent specific gravity of the filler
Gb = apparent specific gravity of the bitumen

2. Bulk Specific Gravity if Mix (Gm):

The bulk specific gravity or the actual specific gravity of the mix Gm is the specific gravity considering air voids
and is obtained by measuring the total weight of the mix and its volume.
Volume is determined by measuring the dimensions of the sample or for better precision it can be measured by the volume of
water it displaces. However, while the sample is immersed in water, some water may get absorbed by the pores of the mix.
Therefore, the mix is protected with a thin film of paraffin and the volume of the sample is measured by knowing the volume
of paraffin used to coat its surface.
When aggregate particles are coated with bitumen binder, a portion of the binder is absorbed into the aggregate,
whereas the remainder forms a film on the outside of the individual aggregate particles. Since the aggregate particles do not
combine to form a solid mass, air pockets also appear within the bitumen-aggregate mixture.
The bulk specific gravity is found out from the below equation;
Where, Wa = weight in the air, Ww= weight in the water

3.Voids in Mineral Aggregates (VMA):

The total volume of voids in the aggregate mix (when there is no bitumen) is called as Voids in Mineral
Aggregates (VMA). In other words, VMA is the volume of intergranular void space between the aggregate particles of
compacted paving mixture. It includes the air voids and volume of bitumen not absorbed into the aggregate.
VMA is expressed as a percentage of total volume of the mix. When VMA is too low, there is not enough room in
the mixture to add enough bitumen binder to coat adequately over the individual aggregate particles. Also, mixes with a low
VMA are more sensitive to slight changes in bitumen binder content. Excessive VMA will cause unacceptably low mixture
stability
Voids in Mineral Aggregates is computed from,
VMA= Vv+ Vb
Where,
Vv => volume of voids in total mix
Vb => volume of bitumen

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4. Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB):

VFB is the voids in the mineral aggregate frame work filled with bitumen binder. It represents the volume of
the effective bitumen content. It can also be described as the percent of volume of the VMA that is filled with bitumen. VFB
is inversely related to air voids and hence, as the air voids decrease, the VFB increases. Where, Va is air voids in the mix and
VMA is the voids in the mineral aggregate. The decrease of VFB implies a decrease of effective bitumen film thickness
between aggregates, which will result in higher low-temperature cracking and lower durability of bitumen mixture since
bitumen perform the filling and healing effects to improve the flexibility of the mixture.

VFB is the percentage of the volume of air voids that is filled with bitumen and is calculated as:

Vb X 100
VFB =
VMA
Where,

Vb => percent bitumen content in the mix, and

VMA => percent voids in the mineral aggregate

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. General
This chapter deals with the results and discussions of the experiments conducted on aggregates, Bitumen before
mixing them for Marshall Stability test to determine the optimum bitumen content (OBC) through the graphical analysis of
volumetric properties for the mix with different additive dosage were studied in this chapter. The HMA specimens were
prepared for bituminous concrete of Grading-2 at 160°C to determine the optimum bitumen content (OBC). The HMA
samples were prepared with bitumen proportions of 0.5% increment rate 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%.
Total of 6 specimens were casted for Conventional Mix and 25 Specimens for replacement of CCA for all
percentages of bitumen content and Marshall Stability test were carried out with those specimens. The test results are shown
below, and results had been compared with MoRT&H and AASTHO standards.

B. Aggregate Test Results

Table 6. Physical Properties of Aggregates
Specifications for
Sl. No. Tests Results BC
1 Specific gravity 2.85 2.5-3
2 Abrasion Value 26% Max 30%
3 Impact Value 21.89% Max 24%
4 Crushing Value 28% Max 30%
5 Water Absorption 0.24% Max 2.0%
Combined Elongation and
6 Flakiness Indices 28.0% Max 35%

C. Bitumen Test Results

The bitumen for HMA of bituminous concrete shall be of plain bitumen of penetration grade 80/100 (VG-10) is used for
preparation of specimens.
Table 7 Physical Properties of VG-10 (80/100) Bitumen
Sl. No Tests Results Specifications
1 Penetration Test (dm) 83 80-100
2 Ductility Test (cm) 100 Min. 75
3 Softening point (°C) 50 45-52
4 Flash point (°C) 310 Min. 175
5 Fire point (°C) 320 Min. 220
6 Specific Gravity 1.02 0.97-1.02

D. Specific Gravity Test Results

Table 8 Specific gravity of Materials
Type of material Specific Gravity Values Standard value Percentage by wt.
Coarse Aggregate (Gravel) 2.72 2.5-3 66%
Fine Aggregate (Sand) 2.76 2.4-3 24%
Filler (Crushed Stone dust) 2.21 2.02-2.8 4% to 10%
Binder (Bitumen-80/100) 1.02 0.97-1.02 4.5% to 6.5%

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To observe graphs and tables of following parameters HMA for 4% BC WITH REPLACEMENT OF CCA, HMA FOR
4.5% BC WITH REPLACEMENT OF CCA, HMA FOR 5% BC WITH REPLACEMENT OF CCA, HMA FOR 5.5% BC
WITH REPLACEMENT OF CCA, HMA FOR 6% BC WITH REPLACEMENT OF CCA:
To observe the Relation between CCA replaced bitumen Vs Bulk density, CCA replaced bitumen Vs Air voids, CCA
replaced bitumen Vs VFB, CCA replaced bitumen Vs Marshall stability, CCA replaced bitumen Vs Flow
The result obtained in HMA specimens with Varying Bitumen Content from 4% to 6% at 160ºC temperature, of
which the optimum bitumen content was found to be 5.01%.

E. Comparison of Marshall Stability Between HMA & CCA Replaced HMA:

To observe Comparison of HMA Conventional mix with HMA replaced by CCA at 160ºc through the results obtained by
Marshall Stability test are discussed here:
Comparison of Stability for HMA Replaced by CCA:

Graph 1. Comparison of stability values for CCA replaced HMA for 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%
The maximum stability value with CCA replaced HMA for 5%,7%, 9%, 11%, 13% at 160ºC temperature is observed to
be15.29KN which has been obtained at an OBC of 5% with 9% of CCA replacement. This indicates that shows that with the
addition of CCA the maximum Stability is achieved at a Bitumen content of 5%.
The comparison indicates that CCA ash as a replacement to bitumen has satisfied the maximum and minimum stability values
to that of conventional mix and from this it can be given that CCA can be used as a replacement to bituminous mixes.

F. Comparison of bulk density for HMA replaced by CCA, Comparison of Bulk Density values for HMA replaced by CCA

Graph 2 Comparison of Bulk Density for CCA replaced HMA for 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%
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Here while observing the graph the maximum bulk density with replacement of CCA was obtained at an OBC of 5% for which
9% of CCA was replaced at 160ºC of HMA.
Then while observing the other percentages of replacement of CCA with 5% OBC conventional HMA mix at 160ºC, shows
that the Bulk density has given results equal to the conventional HMA mix and also the values of CCA replacement are also
similar to that of the HMA conventional mix.
Hence it can be concluded that CCA in case of Bulk density is also Satisfactory.

G. Comparison of Air Voids for HMA Replaced by CCA:

Graph 3 Comparison of Bulk Density for CCA replaced HMA for 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%

From the above graph it is understood that as the binder content increases the volume of air voids are decreasing.
So, from this comparison of Air voids the minimum percent of air voids are obtained for 5% OBC for which 11% of
CCA was replaced and from there by the graph again increases. So, while comparing these values of conventional mix
with CCA replaced bitumen it is found that for 5% BC with a replacement of 11% CCA gives the satisfactory
percentage of air voids than the other BC and CCA replacements. According to MORT&H specifications a minimum
of 3-5% of air voids is considerable, and our experimental study satisfies the limitations and 5% BC of CCA 11%
replacement shows satisfactory results for HMA at 160ºC.

H. Comparison of Flow values for HMA Replaced by CCA:

Graph 4 Comparison of Flow value for CCA replaced HMA for 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%

As shown in the above table the flow values for HMA replaced CCA at 160˚C for 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13% were found
to increase with the increase in the binder content. The maximum flow value in all the above percentages was found at
5% OBC for which 13% CCA which when compared with conventional mix was found to be better and the
remaining all percentages of replacement of CCA flow values also found to be satisfactory.

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According to MoRT&H the minimum flow value must be within 2-5 mm for which it can be understood that
CCA replaced HMA satisfies those limitations and hence proves satisfactory for the replacement.

I. Comparison Of Vfb Values For Hma Replaced by CCA :

Graph 5. Comparison of Flow VFB for CCA replaced HMA for 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%

As shown in the above graph the VFB values were found to increase with increase with increase in binder
content in all percentages of 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13% HMA mix replaced by CCA. The maximum VFB value was achieved at
5% BC for which 11% of CCA was replaced. Further for 13% of CCA replacement there is a decrease in the VFB values.
Hence this shows that CCA replacement up to 11% replacement in case of VFB shows satisfactory results
According to MoRT&H limitations 65% - 75% VFB was allowed and all the percentages of CCA replacements 5%,
7%, 9%, 11%, 13% proved satisfactory.

Comparison Between Maximum Marshall Stability Percentage Values of Conventional Mix and CCA Replaced HMA Mix:
Comparing the two mix proportions the maximum stability has been achieved at for 15KN for which CCA replacement proves
to be satisfactory and the OBC for CCA replaced HMA mix has been achieved at 8.02%. Since this experimental study has
proven satisfactory results up to 13% replacement of CCA replacement the OBC of 8% can also be taken as a satisfactory
replacement for HMA mix. Details showing OBC of conventional mix and maximum stability achieved values of CCA
replaced HMA.

Table 9 Details showing OBC of conventional mix and maximum stability achieved values of CCA replaced HMA:
Property Conventional Mix CCA Replaced HMA
Bulk density (gm/cc) 2.53 2.52
Voids in Mineral Aggregate VMA (%) 14.71 16.06
Voids filled with Bitumen VFB (%) 84.29 78.62
Marshall Stability (KN) 15.34 15.29
Flow value (mm) 3.5 3.6

Graph 6 & 7 Comparison of Bulk Density between Conventional HMA mix and CCA Replaced HMA mix

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Graph 8 & 9 Comparison of Volume of Voids between Conventional HMA mix and CCA Replaced HMA mix

Graph 10 & 11 Comparison of VFB between Conventional HMA mix and CCA Replaced HMA

Graph 12 & 13 Comparison of Flow between Conventional HMA mix and CCA Replaced HMA

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Graph 14 & 15 Comparison of Marshall Stability between Conventional HMA mix and CCA Replaced HMA

V. CONCLUSION
A. Conclusion
The effect of Corn Cob Ash on the mechanical behavior of bitumen is studied by performing the physical property
tests on Aggregate, Bitumen and Marshall Stability test. In the present study, the importance was to add the Corn Cob Ash to
bituminous concrete (BC) mix and to evaluate the various mix properties like Marshall Stability, flow, bulk density, air
voids, VMA and VFB in that mix.
The following conclusions are made from the present study:
1. The HMA using Corn cob Ash is giving the satisfactory results and also meets the HMA requirements hence it can be
used as a partial replacement to bitumen.
2. Marshall Stability test indicated Hot mix asphalt showed good performance with Corn Cob Ash as that of Conventional
Bituminous Mix.
3. The addition of Corn Cob Ash improves the bulk density hence HMA with additive shows better and maximum density.
4. Air voids of Corn Cob Ash bituminous mix was lowest when compared to HMA of Conventional bituminous mix.
5. The addition of Corn Cob Ash has reduced the Flash and Fire points of bitumen thus helps in heating at a lower
temperature also.
6. The addition of Corn Cob Ash also proved to be satisfactory with Marshall Stability Test limitations specified by
MORT&H.
7. The presence of Corn Cob Ash in BC shows desired performance and hence also proves economical for replacement of
Bitumen by reducing bitumen cost of usage
B. Recommendations
Above conclusion indicates that almost all the properties are giving satisfactory results when compared with
reference mix. By adding Corn Cob Ash, the density is increasing, unit weight will increase, and void ratio will decrease.
Voids in mineral aggregate are also low. Since till date no body haven’t done any experimental approach on combination of
bitumen mix and CCA, this study serves them as a base and further research can be carried out. The amount of bitumen
going to be used in the construction can be reduced as a result of partial replacement of CCA, thus by reducing the cost of the
bitumen and making it economical.
As the experiment is done on Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and by addition of CCA has proved the results of Flash and
Fire point earlier than the non – replaced bitumen there is no need of heating to greater temperature and also test can be
carried for WMA bituminous mixes also. In the present study, out of 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13% proportions the optimum value
was
given by 8.2% but stability values up to 11% were satisfactory. Hence as CCA is ecofriendly and grown in most parts of
India and also available abundantly there is a scope for considering it in replacement material for construction field.

C. Scope for Further Research

After analysis of different properties of mix, it was found that the following possibilities need to address as a part of future
scope of study.
1. Bitumen content can be reduced as CCA as a partial Replacement serves satisfactory.
2. Not only as an agricultural bio waste CCA can be used for constructional approaches also.
3. Same studies can be carried out for other gradation of Bituminous Concrete and other Bitumen grades.
4. WMA samples can be prepared at other temperatures and their performances can be evaluated.
5. Studies can be prepared out for WMA, HWMA and CMA with same CCA.
6. Bituminous Mixes can be prepared with combination of other agricultural wastes.
7. Studies can be carried out for other pavement layers such as Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM), and Stone Mastic
Asphalt (SMA).
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 International Journal of Technical Innovation in Modern Engineering & Science (IJTIMES)
Volume 4, Issue 12, December-2018, e-ISSN: 2455-2585, Impact Factor: 5.22 (SJIF-2017)

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