Evaluating Physical Properties of Biochar-Modified Bitumen: An MCDM Approach Using TOPSIS and VIKOR

Abstract:

Bitumen is essential in road construction due to its binding properties, water resistance, and durability, ensuring stable and long-lasting pavements. This study explores the potential of using agricultural waste, specifically biochar, to enhance bituminous materials. Biochar was added to bitumen in increments of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15% by weight to make biochar modified bitumen (BMB). The results showed that biochar increased the softening point, viscosity, and flash and fire points, indicating improved thermal stability and deformation resistance. Conversely, ductility and penetration values decreased, resulting in a harder, less flexible bitumen with better wear and indentation resistance. The modified bitumen was prepared at 160-180°C using a high shear mixer at 4000 rpm for 30 minutes and tested per IS code standards. To identify the optimal biochar-bitumen mix, Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) tools such as TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and VIKOR were used. These tools provided a comprehensive ranking system to determine the best-performing composition. The study demonstrates that biochar significantly enhances bitumen's properties, making it a viable option for more sustainable and efficient road construction applications.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1000)
• Pages: 59-66
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-C67ZlS
• Online since: December 2024
• Authors: Ghanshyam Balotiya*, Arun Gaur, Prakash Somani, Amit Sain, Suresh Chand Bairwa
• Keywords: Biochar, Bitumen Modification, Groundnut Shells, Sustainable Road Construction, VG30 Bitumen

References

[1] F. Ma et al., "Biochar for asphalt modification: A case of high-temperature properties improvement," Science of the Total Environment, vol. 804, Jan. 2022.

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150194

[2] C. Martínez-Toledo, G. Valdés-Vidal, A. Calabi-Floody, M. E. González, and O. Reyes-Ortiz, "Effect of Biochar from Oat Hulls on the Physical Properties of Asphalt Binder," Materials, vol. 15, no. 19, Oct. 2022.

DOI: 10.3390/ma15197000

[3] S. Zhao, B. Huang, X. P. Ye, X. Shu, and X. Jia, "Utilizing bio-char as a bio-modifier for asphalt cement: A sustainable application of bio-fuel by-product," Fuel, vol. 133, p.52–62, Oct. 2014.

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2014.05.002

[4] S. Zhao, B. Huang, X. Shu, and P. Ye, "Laboratory investigation of biochar-modified asphalt mixture," 2014, National Research Council.

DOI: 10.3141/2445-07

[5] N. Howell, A. Pimentel, and S. Bhattacharia, "Material properties and environmental potential of developing world-derived biochar made from common crop residues," Environmental Challenges, vol. 4, Aug. 2021.

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100137

[6] K. K. Supervisors, T. Lombardi, A. B. Co-Supervisor, and M. Rovai, "Bitumen fumes, impacts on human health and natural environment. Reduction, prevention and control of bitumen fumes in road construction industry. Thesis work," 2011.

[7] K. Sonibare, G. Rucker, and L. Zhang, "Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Vegetable Oil Modified Model Asphalt," 2020.

[8] X. Zhou, T. B. Moghaddam, M. Chen, S. Wu, and S. Adhikari, "Biochar removes volatile organic compounds generated from asphalt," Science of the Total Environment, vol. 745, Nov. 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141096

[9] S. Chebil, A. Chaala, and C. Roy, "Use of softwood bark charcoal as a modifier for road bitumen." [Online]. Available: www.elsevier.com/locate/fuel

DOI: 10.1016/s0016-2361(99)00196-9

[10] X. Zhou et al., "Effects of biochar on the chemical changes and phase separation of bio-asphalt under different aging conditions," J Clean Prod, vol. 263, Aug. 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121532

[11] Y. Wu et al., "Modeling of the Complex Modulus of Asphalt Mastic with Biochar Filler Based on the Homogenization and Random Aggregate Distribution Methods," Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 2020, 2020.

DOI: 10.1155/2020/2317420

[12] J. Deng et al., "Competitive adsorption of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) onto chitosan-pyromellitic dianhydride modified biochar," J Colloid Interface Sci, vol. 506, p.355–364, Nov. 2017.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2017.07.069

[13] H. Maljaee, R. Madadi, H. Paiva, L. Tarelho, and V. M. Ferreira, "Incorporation of biochar in cementitious materials: A roadmap of biochar selection," May 10, 2021, Elsevier Ltd.

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122757

[14] L. Restuccia et al., "Mechanical characterization of different biochar-based cement composites," in Procedia Structural Integrity, Elsevier B.V., 2020, p.226–233.

DOI: 10.1016/j.prostr.2020.04.027

[15] A. Mardani, A. Jusoh, K. M. D. Nor, Z. Khalifah, N. Zakwan, and A. Valipour, "Multiple criteria decision-making techniques and their applications - A review of the literature from 2000 to 2014," Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja , vol. 28, no. 1, p.516–571, Sep. 2015.

DOI: 10.1080/1331677X.2015.1075139

[16] A. Sain, A. Gaur, · Prakash Somani, · Jeetendra, S. Khichad, and · Ghanshyam Balotiya, "Characterization and Evaluation of Bamboo Species for Construction Applications Incorporating TOPSIS, AHP and VIKOR," Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 2024, p.1–17, Mar. 2024.

DOI: 10.1007/S13369-024-08797-X

[17] E. Triantaphyllou, "Multi-criteria Decision Making Methods: A Comparative Study," vol. 44, 2000.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4757-3157-6

[18] A. Sain, A. Gaur, P. Somani, J. S. Khichad, and G. Balotiya, "Characterization and Evaluation of Bamboo Species for Construction Applications Incorporating TOPSIS, AHP and VIKOR," Arab J Sci Eng, p.1–17, Mar. 2024.

DOI: 10.1007/s13369-024-08797-x

[19] G. Balotiya, A. Gaur, P. Somani, and A. Sain, "Investigating mechanical and durability aspects of concrete incorporating Wollastonite and bottom ash," Mater Today Proc, Jun. 2023

DOI: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2023.06.048