Creep Properties of Geopolymer Bituminous Mixtures

A study was previously conducted in Universiti Teknologi Petronas(UTP) on the uses of
geopolymer in porous asphalt, and it was discovered that using adding geopolymer on
porous asphalt gives the substance a higher value of stiffness and stability compared to
conventional pavement being used nowadays. This finding sparks the initiative to
further investigate the properties of geopolymer bituminous mixtures, with the ultimate
goal to study the potential capability of the substance to commercially replace the use of
conventional pavement. The project "Creep Properties of Geopolymer Bituminous
Mixtures" is a continuation of the previous study, with the aim to investigate the creep
properties of geopolymer bituminous mixtures, and thus predicting the rut potential of
the material. This project is an important component in an effort to investigate the
suitability of geopolymer bituminous mixtures for its potential commercial use in the
future.
Much of the drive behind research carried out in academic institutions these days is to
investigate the development of geopolymer cements as a potential large-scale
replacement for concrete produced from Portland cement. This is due to geopolymers'
alleged lower carbon dioxide production emissions, greater chemical and thermal
resistance and better mechanical properties at both ambient and extreme conditions.
Addition of geopolymer to porous asphalt to produce a new type of pavement material is
a new idea which seeks to exploit these valuable properties of geopolymer, which is
beneficial in pavement design. In short, the use of geopolymer on bituminous mixtures
therefore carries the prospect of combining these properties of geopolymer and porous
asphalt to develop a material that is environmental friendly and durable at a competitive
cost for use in pavement.