TITLE:
Evaluation of the Impact of Natural Fiber Incorporation into Bituminous Coating: The Case of Banana Fibers
AUTHORS:
Brahiman Traore, Conand Honoré Kouakou, Aka Alexandre Assande, Wendembe Zoundi, Assanvo Charles Kacou, Edjikeme Emeruwa
KEYWORDS:
Sustainability, Wearing Course, Bituminous Coating, Incorporation, Vegetable Fibers
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Engineering and Technology,
Vol.13 No.4,
November
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study was conducted with the aim of improving the service life of road wearing courses by incorporating banana plant fibers into bituminous mixtures. Fibers extracted from the banana trunk were characterized through tests measuring water absorption, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation before being incorporated in one or two layers into the bituminous mixtures. Three types of samples (Marshall, Duriez, and Prismatic) were prepared and subjected to various tests, including compressibility index, creep, compactness, Marshall stability, as well as compressive and flexural strengths (three-point and four-point bending). The experimental results indicate that samples containing a single fiber mat layer, whether treated or untreated, exhibit lower mechanical performance compared to those containing two layers. Moreover, the incorporation of untreated fibers significantly improves Marshall stability, creep behavior, compressibility, and compressive and flexural strengths. These findings lead to the conclusion that it is possible to enhance the service life of pavement wearing courses by integrating banana plant fibers without any prior treatment.