Civil and Project journal

Investigating the Effect of Two-Component Parafiber on the Mechanical Properties and Moisture Resistance of Asphalt

https://doi.org/10.22034/cpj.2026.599093.1471
Volume 8, Issue 11 - Serial Number 93
January 2027
Pages 22-41
Civil and Project journal

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Shahram Tabasheri 1
Shahrokh Rezaei 2
Hasan Sepahvand 3

1 PhD Candidate in Structural Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan Branch, Iran

2 PhD in Structural Engineering; University of Tehran; Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Flight, Imam Ali University, Tehran, Iran

3 MSc in Civil Engineering (Road and Transportation), Iran University of Science and Technology; Lecturer, Imam Ali University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Airport runways, as critical aviation infrastructure, are continuously subjected to heavy dynamic loads during aircraft takeoff and landing, as well as diverse environmental conditions. In recent years, climate change has introduced severe temperature fluctuations, intense rainfall, and extreme weather events, posing serious challenges to the performance and durability of asphalt pavements on airport runways. This study investigates the effect of using two-component Parafiber (comprising a polymer soluble in bitumen and cellulose fibers) on the mechanical and performance properties of special asphalt mixtures designed for airport runways. To precisely evaluate the behavior of asphalt mixtures, a device for determining compressive and tensile strength of asphalt with a digital display was designed and manufactured. Two mix designs were prepared: a control mixture without additives and a mixture containing 1.5% two-component Parafiber. Marshall stability and flow tests, indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests, and moisture susceptibility tests (AASHTO T283) were conducted on the specimens. The results indicate that the use of two-component Parafiber increases Marshall stability from 1390 to 1420 kg (an increase of approximately 2%), reduces flow from 2.4 to 2.1 mm, and improves the Marshall stability ratio (24-hour to 30-minute immersion) from 78% to 87%. Furthermore, the indirect tensile strength of fiber-reinforced specimens in dry condition (930 kPa) and saturated condition (785 kPa) showed significant improvement compared to the control mixture (850 kPa and 660 kPa, respectively). The tensile strength ratio (TSR) for the fiber-reinforced mixture was 84.4%, compared to 77.6% for the control mixture. The bitumen film thickness in the fiber-reinforced mixture increased due to proper aggregate fracture and uniform bitumen coating, which reduced stripping and enhanced moisture resistance. Based on the findings, the use of Parafiber-reinforced asphalt can be considered an effective solution for increasing the strength and durability of airport runways against adverse environmental conditions and heavy air traffic loads

Keywords

Airport runway asphalt
Parafiber
Indirect tensile strength
Marshall stability
Moisture susceptibility
Subjects
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[ 2 ] Asphalt Institute, The Asphalt Handbook (MS-4), 7th ed. Lexington, KY, USA: Asphalt Institute, 2007.
[ 3 ] ASTM International, ASTM D6927-22, Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures. West Conshohocken, PA, USA: ASTM International, 2022.
[ 4 ] ASTM International, ASTM D6931-17, Standard Test Method for Indirect Tensile (IDT) Strength of Asphalt Mixtures. West Conshohocken, PA, USA: ASTM International, 2017.
[ 5 ] AASHTO, T 283, Resistance of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures to Moisture-Induced Damage. Washington, DC, USA: AASHTO.
[ ۶ ] Federal Aviation Administration, AC 150/5320-6G, Airport Pavement Design and Evaluation. Washington, DC, USA: FAA, 2021.
[ 7 ] Federal Aviation Administration, AC 150/5370-10, Standard Specifications for Construction of Airports. Washington, DC, USA: FAA.
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  • Receive Date 25 July 2026
  • Revise Date 29 July 2026
  • Accept Date 29 August 2026
  • First Publish Date 29 August 2026
  • Publish Date 21 January 2027

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