The optimal and economic management of the use of AL-BESHERY natural asphalt in the rehabilitation of the road network in Syria

Abstract

Natural asphalt exists in Syria in Al-Beshery and Kefria quarries. The current use of this natural resource is limited to alleys and byways with low

traffic loads. The research aims to study the use of this natural asphalt in the hot prepared asphalt mixtures, which are used in the main roads with high loads. The research presents the results of the laboratory experiments that were conducted according to the methodology of the study. The laboratory experiments included extraction of bitumen from natural asphalt, Marshall stability and rutting. The results showed that this natural material can be used in the main roads with high loads, after taking into account the recommendations of this study.

This research aims, in its early stages, to determine the natural, mechanical and engineering properties of the available produced materials from natural asphalt in its various grades and types, and the hot asphalt mixtures in which these materials are used, and to study the    extent to which these properties achieve the standard specifications stipulated globally. Then the research aims to study the best scientific, economic and practical methods available to improve the properties of these materials and develop the method of using them in hot asphalt mixtures in Syria to ensure the achievement of the required engineering specifications while ensuring at the same time that the life span of the roads to be used in the construction of these improved materials is achieved.

The results indicate that the natural asphalt lacks the properties required to ensure the achievement of the design life of any road due to its exposure to oxidation and polymerization factors in the summer and winter seasons over millions of years. The research has proven the possibility of improving these properties by using economical and practical additives, which is the relatively soft asphalt with a penetration degree of +300, which is considered fuel at a practical rate ranging between (30-45%) approximately from the weight of the asphalt material in the mixture or the usual lubricating used oil at a rate of approximately 8%. It also includes the detailed results of the various tests that were carried out on the paving mixtures using these improvers

and the study of the method of their implementation in the various plants asphalt fields. Finally, this research includes the conclusions and recommendations reached in this research, whether from the scientific or practical aspects, in the fields of paving all types of roads in Syria using hot asphalt mixtures manufactured from treated Al-Beshery Natural Asphalt.