LAUSR

Abstract This study attempts to evaluate the permanent effects of using natural desert sand (NDS) on the behaviour of asphalt mixtures. Previous studies have focused on the characterization of permanent properties of asphalts that use NDS. This study aims to determine the effect of using fine aggregate materials NDS and manufactured crushed sand (MCS) in hot mix asphalt (HMA) and how this affects the permanent deformation of the final HMA. The NDS samples were collected from the desert regions. The Index of Aggregate Particle Shape and Texture (IAPST), Marshall, the Rutting analyzer and the Complex Modulus tests were undertaken to analyze and compare the properties of HMA containing two different types of bitumen binders, PG70-10 and B60/70. The performance of mixtures containing PG70-10 was found to b e superior in comparison with mixtures containing B60/70. These results are critical for engineers planning roadworks in hot and arid environments and allow for significant cost reductions by using locally available materials (i.e. NDS) instead of more costly MCS. With these findings, it is possible to partly use NDS in HMA for low volume roads (LVRs).