Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Cement Grouted Bituminous Mix with Varied Types of Grouts

Abstract: The Cement Grouted Bituminous Mix (CGBM) is an innovative pavement technique that employs grouting materials to effectively fill the open-graded bituminous mix, characterized by a significant air void content. The application of Aggregate Gradation II refers to the standards outlined in IRC SP 125 (2019). Following these guidelines, bitumen mix preparation involves the utilization of bitumen with a VG 30 grade while assuring a void percentage ranging from 25% to 30%. The grouting materials utilized in this study are Portland cementitious grain (PG), ordinary Portland cementitious grain (OG), and rapid-hardening cementitious grain (RG). The bitumen mix samples have been enhanced with different grouts to develop grouted bitumen samples containing varied cement compositions. The Cement Grouted Bituminous Mix (CGBM) can be grouted using many types of cement, including Portland Pozzolana cement (PGBM), Ordinary Pozzolana cement (OGBM), and Rapid hardening cement (RGBM). The bitumen samples that had been grouted were then allowed to cure, and their strength properties were assessed using tests for durability (Cantabro test), indirect tensile strength, compressive strength, and Marshal stability at 3 and 28 days. The RGBM sample exhibited a comparatively higher percentage increase in characteristic strength than the PGBM and OGBM mixes. This can be attributed to the fact that the former had already attained a substantial portion of its strength after three days. However, it is worth noting that all samples showed nearly equivalent strength levels after 28 days. According to this study's findings, using RGBM for construction projects in colder climates with early strength requirements is recommended. The RGBM exhibits a comparatively greater strength of 9.10 N/mm2 compared to the PGBM and OGBM, which have strengths of 8.92 and 8.06 N/mm2, respectively. All the samples exhibit excellent stability values within the permissible range.