| Cellulose
Fibers |
Mineral
Fibers |
| Plus |
Minus |
Plus |
Minus |
| 0.1% < fiber required in the mix. |
Require approx. 7% more bitumen (oil) in the mix
than mineral fibers (due to absorption of oil). |
Require approx. 7% less bitumen (oil) in the mix
than cellulose fibers. |
0.1% > fiber required in the mix. |
| Eliminate drain-down. |
7% additional bitumen does not increase film thinckness. |
Increase film thickness and tensile strength. |
Should wear long sleeves and gloves to protect
skin from contact with fibers which may cause itchiness. |
| Do not itch. |
Affected by mildew, moisture, dry-rot and insect
infestation. |
Eliminate drain-down. |
Should wear mask to prevent inhalation of airborne
fibers. |
| |
Should wear mask to prevent inhalation of airborne
fibers and dust (which are lighter and finer than mineral fibers). |
Highest thermal resistance and tolerance for cold
temperature of any road fiber. |
|
| |
Highly combustible; have caused fires inside of
drum-mix plants. |
Shorter batch cycle time. |
|
| |
|
Not affected by mildew, moisture, dry-rot or insect
infestation. |
|
| |
|
RAP containing mineral fibers does not require
additional fibers when incorporated into new SMA mixes. |
|
| |
|
Not combustible; do not cause fires in drum-mix
plants. |
|
