Bio-fiber reinforced roller compacted concrete designed for road construction: feasibility of date palm fibers in pavements

The current study is an attempt to test the feasibility of bio-fibers for roller compacted concrete (RCC). Date palm fibers (DPF) were utilized as a filler to make a different type of RCC designed for road construction. An experimental investigation has been carried out to determine the effect of these fibers on two types of mixtures: (i) without air-entraining agent (AEA) (ii) containing AEA. The experiments were conducted with mixtures prepared, natural, and 0.1% DPF reinforced RCC. 12 mixtures were prepared with four levels of AEA (0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) and two levels of compaction energy (CE) (2400 kJ/m(3) and 4800 kJ/m(3)). They were tested for compressive strength, abrasion resistance (Cantabro test), and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Concerning durability, freeze-thaw resistance was investigated. The results showed that the inclusion of date palm fibers had an important effect, as, it not only improved the physical and mechanical characteristics, but also found to ameliorate the durability of RCC mixes significantly. Relationships between such factors test are completed using the factorial experimental design methodology to develop mathematical models for predicting RCC properties. The obtained results are promising for further reflection on a large scale to explore the issue of strengthening RCCs with bio-fibers.