Evaluation of asphalt mixes performance characteristic with mustard oil as a rejuvenator

This study investigated the effects of adding natural renewable mustard oil (Mo) as a rejuvenator, and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to asphalt mixes for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation. Mo was utilized 10% by weight of binder with 30% RAP in modified asphalt mixes using two types of aggregate gradations. Performance characteristics of neat and modified asphalt mixes are evaluated through fatigue resistance, rutting resistance, and moisture damage resistance testing. The experimental results revealed that the addition of 10% Mo effectively rejuvenates asphalt mixes containing RAP by softening the aged binder typically from 6% to 14%. The bending fatigue resistance of modified asphalt mixes improves from 14% to 26%, rutting resistance decreases from 12% to 14% whereas moisture damage resistance also decreases from 12% to 16% respectively as compared to neat mixes. This research presents sustainable and cost-effective solution for utilizing Mo and RAP used in asphalt mixes for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation.