We work hard to bring you the best fiber in the world!
|
We work hard to bring you the best fiber in the world! |
|
COST COMPARISON WHEN ABSORPTION TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT Why do cellulose fibers cost the contractor more money to use even though mineral fibers are added to SMA and OGFC mixes at a 0.4% dosage rate (times weight of total mix) versus cellulose fibers, which are added at an average of 0.3% (times weight of the total mix)? The Reason: Before cellulose can act as a stabilizer of the asphalt in an SMA or OGFC mix, it must be completely saturated with asphalt. The amount of asphalt required to saturate 6 pounds of cellulose ranges between 0.35 to 0.5% more asphalt than if mineral fibers were used. This additional asphalt does not increase the film thickness around the aggregate. Mineral fiber, which is made primarily of stone, does not absorb asphalt. Due to the additional asphalt required, a contractor is spending an additional $0.90 to $1.00 more per ton of mix when choosing cellulose. An SMA or OGFC mix using mineral fiber will contain 6 to 6.1% asphalt in the mix. SMA and OGFC mixes using cellulose fiber will average 6.4 to 6.6% asphalt in the mix. At 6% asphalt per ton of mix, it would require 120 lb. of asphalt (oil) per ton of mix when using mineral fibers. At 6.4% asphalt per ton of mix, when using cellulose fibers, a contractor would be required to use a minimum of 128 lb. of asphalt (oil) per ton of mix. The 0.4% difference in asphalt content does not sound like much, but the fact is that this is an increase in oil of 7.5% per ton of mix!!!! Assuming polymerized asphalt, at a cost of $285.00 is used: One pound of asphalt would cost $0.1425. The additonal 8 pounds of asphalt needed if using cellulose would cost $1.14 more per ton of mix. When you subtract the 2 additional pounds of mineral fiber needed (remember mineral fber dosed at 0.1% higher), you are still paying over $0.90 more per ton of mix for additional asphalt when using cellulose. The Georgia DOT has recently notified all contractors doing work in the state, that they must submit different mix designs for cellulose and mineral fibers. The fibers cannot be substituted in the same mix design. This is due to the difference in asphalt required by the two fibers. For a copy of the letter click here. You will need a copy of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have it, click on the icon below to go to the site and download it.
|
Send mail to jp_chacon@fiberand.com with questions or comments about this web site.
|
