Effect of reinforcing elements based on vegetable fibres on functional characteristics of bitumen mixtures

Asphalt pavements must constantly withstand the effects of traffic and the effects of the environment, which continuously damage them. Our goal is to improve the properties of asphalt mixtures in such a way that the occurrence of defects is as small as possible, and the service life of pavements is extended. We can achieve this e.g., using various additives. Due to the impossibility of creating a perfectly resistant material, pavements must be renewed periodically. Therefore, it is advantageous if the additives are made of materials fully in accordance with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. This work examines the possibility of using such additives – vegetable fibers. The goal was to investigate their reinforcing function in three types of asphalt mixtures, chosen regarding the entire composition of a typical asphalt pavement. The results of selected functional and empirical tests showed that vegetable fibers can serve as reinforcing elements in asphalt mixtures.