Description:
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a flexible pavement, particularly to a flexible pavement and method for producing the same using a bio-asphalt mixer and sugarcane fiber.
Description of Related Art
[002] In field of construction and concrete manufacturing, numerous studies have been conducted to explore potential alternatives to traditional coarse and fine aggregates in concrete production. This research aims to discover solutions for enhancing the properties of concrete materials. One notable area of interest is the utilization of waste materials as eco-friendly resources for concrete production. Among these waste materials, recycled concrete aggregates, fly ash, silica fume, and slag have been extensively studied and employed to reduce environmental impact and improve concrete properties.
[003] Moreover, there is a growing interest in exploring the potential of incorporating agricultural and industrial waste materials in construction applications. These waste materials, when properly processed and utilized, have shown promise in improving the structural and environmental aspects of construction materials.
[004] Sugarcane, being a major global crop, generates a significant amount of waste in the form of bagasse and sugarcane fiber during the production of sugar and other sugarcane-derived products. However, a substantial portion of this waste remains unused and is often considered a disposal issue. Finding an effective and sustainable use for sugarcane waste is of great importance, not only to mitigate waste management challenges but also to harness its potential in enhancing construction materials.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved flexible pavement that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a flexible pavement. The flexible pavement comprising: a flexible pavement, comprising: bitumen having a penetration grade in the range of 60 to 70; an asphalt mixer containing a mixture of aggregates; and sugarcane fiber, characterized in that the sugarcane fiber is in a form of sugarcane bagasse; wherein the bitumen is modified with 3% by weight of the sugarcane fiber for improving fatigue resistance and rutting performance of the flexible pavement.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for producing flexible pavement, comprising steps of: preparing a bitumen having a penetration grade in the range of 60 to 70; mixing the bitumen with an asphalt mixer containing a predetermined mixture of aggregates, including crushed stone, gravel, and sand in proportionate amounts of 65% by weight, 25% by weight, and 10% by weight, respectively; and introducing sugarcane fiber in the form of sugarcane bagasse in an amount of 3% by weight, into the mixture of bitumen and the asphalt mixer.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a flexible pavement and a method for producing flexible pavement using Prosopis juliflora stem.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide enhanced structural stability, reducing the susceptibility of the construction to seismic loads and enhancing its safety and durability.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an environmentally friendly solution using a Bio-asphalt mixer and sugarcane fiber as a renewable and abundant resource for concrete production.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide improved workability during the concrete mix preparation, enabling efficient construction processes and reducing labor efforts.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide cost-effective solutions for construction projects using a Bio-asphalt mixer and sugarcane fiber as a partial replacement for traditional coarse aggregates, thus potentially reducing overall project costs.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide flexible pavements with excellent fire resistance and reduced vulnerability to fire damage.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide flexible pavements with enhanced acoustic insulation properties, making them suitable for sound-sensitive applications in construction.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a flexible pavement, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for producing the flexible pavement, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a flexible pavement 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flexible pavement 100 may be prepared using bitumen 102, an asphalt mixer 104, and sugarcane fiber 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the flexible pavement 100 produced may have characteristics that exhibit enhanced structural stability, reduced dead load, and improved thermal conductivity, making it suitable for diverse construction applications. The flexible pavement 100 produced may exhibit superior resistance to fatigue and rutting, ensuring a longer lifespan and increased durability, even under heavy traffic conditions.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible pavement 100 may offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to road construction. The inclusion of the sugarcane fiber 106 not only improves the properties of the pavement but also utilizes a renewable and abundant resource, aligning with environmentally conscious construction practices. The resulting flexible pavement 100 may contribute to reduced carbon footprint and align with evolving environmental regulations, making it an attractive choice for modern construction projects.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bitumen 102 may be obtained from various sources, including but not limited to, crude oil refining processes. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any source, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The bitumen 102 may be modified to achieve a desired penetration grade. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bitumen 102 may have a penetration grade in the range of 60 to 70, representing its softness or hardness. The penetration grade of the bitumen 102 may be 65, providing a good balance between stiffness and flexibility, ideal for road construction. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any penetration grade for the bitumen 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the asphalt mixer 104 may contain a mixture of aggregates. The aggregates may be, but not limited to, crushed stones, gravels, sand, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any aggregates, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the aggregates may be in proportionate amounts. In an embodiment of the present invention, a proportionate amount of the crushed stones may be 65% by weight. In an embodiment of the present invention, the proportionate amount of the gravels may be 25% by weight. In an embodiment of the present invention, the proportionate amount of the sand may be 10% by weight. These aggregates, when mixed in the proportionate amounts, may provide structural support and stability to the flexible pavement 100. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any proportionate amounts of the aggregates, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The asphalt mixer 104 may be prepared using a conventional mixing apparatus that may be generally used in road construction, facilitating thorough blending of the bitumen 102 and the aggregates to create a homogenous mixture suitable for the flexible pavement 100.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sugarcane fiber 106 may be obtained in a form of sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of the sugarcane industry. The sugarcane fiber 106, with an average fiber length of 1.5 millimeter (mm) and an average width of 20 micrometer (µm), in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sugarcane fiber 106 may be added in an amount of 3% by weight to the mixture of bitumen 102 and the asphalt mixer 104. This inclusion enhances the flexibility and performance characteristics of the flexible pavement 100. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the sugarcane fiber 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sugarcane fiber 106 may be processed or treated to achieve the desired properties. Additional details and steps related to the production process and the composition of the flexible pavement are described in the claims and their respective embodiments.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a TABLE 1 depicts a viscosity of the bitumen under different conditions, with and without the addition of the sugar cane industry waste, both in powder and fiber forms.
TABLE 1 VISCOSITY OF BITUMEN IN (Seconds)
Sl.No. Bitumen Bitumen with Sugar Cane Industry Waste
Powder Fibre
2% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4%
1 46 62 88 102 108 163 196
2 48 59 86 100 112 160 190
3 47 63 88 99 102 159 195

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, a TABLE 2 depicts softening point of the bitumen under various conditions, with and without the addition of the sugar cane industry waste, both in the powder and fiber forms.
TABLE 2 SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN (ºC)
Sl.No. Bitumen Bitumen with Sugar Cane Industry Waste
Powder Fiber
2% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4%
1 39 46 50 52 47 48 50
2 40 49 51 53 47 46 52
3 41 48 50 51 48 47 50

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, a TABLE 3 depicts flash and fire points of the bitumen under various conditions, with and without the addition of the sugar cane industry waste, both in powder and fiber forms.
TABLE 3 Flash and Fire Point in (ºC)

Particulars Bitumen Bitumen with Sugar Cane Industry Waste
Powder Fiber
2% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4%
Flash 102 140 155 160 168 168 170
Fire 109 210 230 235 240 245 255

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, a TABLE 4 depicts a ductility of the bitumen under the different conditions, with and without the addition of the sugar cane industry waste, both in the powder and fiber forms. The average (AVG) values are also included.
TABLE 4 DUCTILITY OF BITUMEN (in Centimeter)
Sl.No.
Bitumen Bitumen with Sugar Cane Industry Waste
Powder Fiber
2% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4%
1 39 37 35 29 33 31 26
2 40 34 35 31 32 30 28
3 40 38 32 30 33 33 26
AVG 39.67 33 26 24 37 32 29

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, a TABLE 5 depicts a stability of the bitumen asphalt with different percentages of the sugar cane industry waste in both the powder and fiber forms.
TABLE: 5 STABILITY OF BITUMEN
S No. % of Bitumen added Asphalt Asphlat with Sugar Cane Industry Waste
Powder Fiber
2% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4%
1 4 14 11.45 15.67 17.43 9.06 13.22 16.19
2 5 25 10.49 16.54 16.78 10.65 14.54 15.07
3 6 33 9.54 15.45 15.47 8.17 12.65 15.78

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, experimental data presented in Tables 1 through Table 5 suggest that the addition of sugar cane industry waste, both in the powder and fiber forms, may have a significant impact on the properties of bitumen. The viscosity, the softening point, the flash and fire points, the ductility, and the stability of bitumen may be influenced by the varying percentages of the sugar cane industry waste.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for producing the flexible pavement 100.
[0038] At step 202, the flexible pavement 100 may be produced by preparing the bitumen 102 having the penetration grade in the range of 60 to 70.
[0039] At step 204, the flexible pavement 100 may be produced by mixing the bitumen 102 with the asphalt mixer 104 containing the predetermined mixture of the aggregates, including the crushed stone, the gravel, and the sand in the proportionate amounts of 65% by weight, 25% by weight, and 10% by weight.
[0040] At step 206, the flexible pavement 100 may be produced by introducing the sugarcane fiber 106 in the form of the sugarcane bagasse in an amount of 3% by weight, into the mixture of bitumen and the asphalt mixer 104.
[0041] At step 208, the flexible pavement 100 may be produced by moulding the mixture into the desired shape for the flexible pavement 100.
[0042] At step 210, the flexible pavement 100 may be produced by curing the moulded mixture to enhance the durability and strength of the flexible pavement 100.
[0043] At step 212, the flexible pavement 100 may be produced by conducting quality tests of the flexible pavement 100 upon curing to ensure compliance with specified performance standards.
[0044] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A flexible pavement (100), comprising:
bitumen (102) having a penetration grade in the range of 60 to 70;
an asphalt mixer (104) containing a mixture of aggregates; and
sugarcane fiber (106), characterized in that the sugarcane fiber (106) is in a form of sugarcane bagasse;
wherein the bitumen (102) is modified with 3% by weight of the sugarcane fiber (106) for improving fatigue resistance and rutting performance of the flexible pavement (100).
2. The flexible pavement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aggregates in the asphalt mixer (104) comprise crushed stone, gravel, and sand in the respective proportions of 65% by weight, 25% by weight, and 10% by weight.
3. The flexible pavement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the penetration grade of the bitumen (102) is 65.
4. The flexible pavement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sugarcane fiber (106) constitutes 3% by weight of the total composition.
5. The flexible pavement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an average fiber length of the sugarcane fiber (106) is 1.5 millimeter (mm).
6. The flexible pavement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an average width of the sugarcane fiber (106) is 20 micrometer (µm).
7. A method for producing flexible pavement (100), comprising steps of:
preparing a bitumen (102) having a penetration grade in the range of 60 to 70;
mixing the bitumen (102) with an asphalt mixer (104) containing a predetermined mixture of aggregates, including crushed stone, gravel, and sand in proportionate amounts; and
introducing sugarcane fiber (106) in the form of sugarcane bagasse in an amount of 3% by weight, into the mixture of bitumen and the asphalt mixer (104).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of moulding the mixture into the desired shape for the flexible pavement (100).
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising a step of curing the moulded mixture to enhance the durability and strength of the flexible pavement (100).
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising a step of conducting quality tests of flexible pavement (100) upon curing to ensure compliance with performance standards.

Date: November 22, 2023
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)