Reduction of Thermally Induced Cracks in Asphalt Using Thermochromatic Pigments in the Asphalt

Simon Kabocho Kang’ethe; Osano Simpson Nyambane; Paul Gacheru Macharia; Sixtus Kinyua Mwea

Simon Kabocho Kang’ethe, Mr. University of Nairobi
Osano Simpson Nyambane, Dr. University of Nairobi
Paul Gacheru Macharia, Dr. University of Nairobi
Sixtus Kinyua Mwea, Prof. University of Nairobi

Keywords: Thermochromatic pigment, thermochromics material, asphalt concrete, volumetric properties, thermal cracking

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to establish the significance of adding pigment in the design mix of asphalt concrete. This was achieved using Thermochromatic pigments. Four samples of asphalt concrete containing paint, dye, neat and pigmented were prepared and its volumetric properties established. The degree in which each of the sample was capable of reflecting away solar radiation were however tested by exposing all the four samples to the environment under direct solar radiation and the amount of solar radiation that each of them absorbed were measured and recorded. The pigmented mix after testing registered the lowest temperature change as compared to the other mix. It was therefore recommended that it is very prudent to add the pigment as additive at 25% of the bitumen weight and 25% pigments during the design mix of asphalt concrete as it will assist in reflecting away the solar reflectance of the pavement.

Author Biographies

Simon Kabocho Kang’ethe, Mr., University of Nairobi

Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi

Osano Simpson Nyambane, Dr., University of Nairobi

Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Paul Gacheru Macharia, Dr., University of Nairobi

Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Sixtus Kinyua Mwea, Prof., University of Nairobi

Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya.