THE APPROPRIATENESS OF EGG SHELL AS FILLER IN HOT MIX

ASPHALT
Yuliarahmadila Binti Erfen1, Khairul Nizam Bin Mohd Yunus2
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department of Infrastructure and Geometic Engineering
University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
1,2

email : 1yuliaerfen@gmail.com, 2khairuln@uthm.edu.my

Abstract
Various studies have been conducted to identify the new materials that can be used as filler in hot mix asfalt
concrete. Modification in the mix is one approach that can be taken to improved the performance of the
pavement. Eggshell study is an alternative to partially replace the use of Portland cement as a filler in asphalt
mixture. Thus using eggshells as a filler, sustainable performance can be improved. This study was conducted to
evaluate the effect of using egg shells as filler in hot mix asphaltic concrete (AC14). Performance of the mixture
specified by obtaining the optimum bitumen content (OBC) and optimal eggshell content (OESC). Percentage of
Eggshell content rate used was 0%, 1%, 3% and 5%. In summary, the results of conventional samples and
modified samples show effective eggshell content in the range of 3% to 5%. In addition, the specific gravity was
carried out by using eggshell as filler will reduced the specific gravity. In conclusion, the egg shell is one of the
substances that can be used as a filler
Keywords: Pavement material, Eggshell, Marshall testing, OBC, JKR Specification

1.0

Introduction

Road design encompasses a very broad. However, the construction of roads on natural soil will
not accept tires route without changing its shape. Therefore, this land should be set to the desired level,
compacted and built on it a strong structure. Structures built above the road pavement formation called
consisting of several layers of overlay made of a suitable material of choice, work to spread the load of
vehicles to the road base, providing slip resistance of road surfaces and have sufficient long life
without the need for a lots of work. Few years ago, many studies towards the use of other more road
construction quality has shown positive results and encouraging in road repairs. This allows the use of
organic and inorganic materials in asphaltic pavement as plastics, polymers, glass and much more can
be developed. With this, not only can solve the problem of the lack of original material in asphaltic
pavement construction present and future, but also using alternative by recycling process can be
implemented[1]. This alternative should be developed from time to time not only in Malaysia but such
technology should be shared around the world. One of the filler material used in this mix is Portland
cement. It serves as subtle fill cavities in paving mixtures aims to strengthen the structure of the road,
according to its nature as a binder. Because the demand for cement is high in road construction and
development, other alternatives should be sought to address this problem is by using other filler
material. As well as to mix such as fine and coarse aggregate, quarry dust and sand. There are various
proposals for solving this problem. One of them is use egg shells as filler material.
The main goal of this study was to determine the effect of using egg shell as filler in asphalt
pavement. In order to realize these objectives, the design of conventional asphalt mixture will be
provided. The objective was to determine the percentage of the optimal eggshell content in asphaltic
pavement as filler at optimum bitumen content and make a comparison of features parameters between
conventional and modifies sample
The scope of this study covers only laboratory tests. By using the percentage of aggregate on
wearing layer based on JKR specification AC14. The scope of implementation of study by prepared
the conventional sample follow by bitumen content 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6% and 6.5%. Next study by
prepared the sample with eggshell content start from 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% based on optimum bitumen

content and make a comparison based on stability, flow, stiffness, voids total mix, and voids filled in
bitumen.

2.0

Literature Review

Flexible pavement consists five layers of wear layer, coating binders, road base, sub base and
sub grade. Bituminous pavement materials consist of the aggregate, adhesives and filler material.
Blend flexible pavement has a certain role to get a pavement mix design that meets the requirements
and standard set. Road construction industry in Malaysia using material derived from local sources.
The aggregates consist of crushed stone obtained from quarries. Bitumen is used as an adhesive and
filler materials consist of quarry dust, lime, cement and so on.
Through the previous studies, the uses of eggshell dust are carried out on finishes construction
(tiles). Therefore, the preliminary study of evaluation and observation abilities use eggshell as filler to
construct tiles. Studies show eggshells could be used as filler in production of tile.
The study of using palm ash as filler material in hot mix asphalt concrete performs palm ash is
not suitable. However, by using oil palm fiber additives in effect of weather and aging have achieved
the target but, the researcher state to use other additive to overcome the void in coming study.
2.1

Coarse Aggregate

Coarse aggregate function is to provide stability to the existence of interlocking bond between
the aggregate and friction against the shift. Therefore, the shape and texture of aggregate surface can
contribute to stability. Aggregate physically should be hard, angular, and rough surface.

2.2

Fine Aggregate

Fine aggregate serves to reduce cavities in coarse aggregate mix. Fine aggregate stability also
acted for inculcating asphaltic mixture of particles through the interlocking. Best used of fine
aggregate physically gross and angular. Among the materials that are often used as fine aggregate in
Malaysia is natural sand (river sand, sand land, sand mining) and quarry dust. Natural sand grade
uniformly but sand particles are not so angular such as sieved crushed stone. However, natural sand is
usually more economical and provide better treatment variable to the asphaltic mix during spreading
operation. Therefore, a mixture is suitable for the surface layer has a high stability and surface texture
with good frictional resistance.

2.3

Filler Materials

A filler material was components that often used in asphaltic pavement serve as fulfill the
cavities in the mixture. Filler material consists of fine powder used in bituminous mixes for road
pavement. It is important to strengthen the structure of the road to be built. Practically filler material
role in increasing the viscosity of the bitumen and reduce its concentration on temperature. In addition,
the filler material also works in the hardened bitumen layer and fills the cavities found in the mixture.
Filler material usually consists of rock powder, limestone powder, hydrated lime and Portland
cement. The material used as filler in cement for road construction is fine and add more to its nature as
binder. It is not only meant to fill empty cavities have even helped bitumen to reinforce structure
component bonding on road [2] and hence ensuring stability and produce specifications in aggregate
grading [3].
Filler material shall pass the sieve size 0.075mm and must have properties such as cleanliness
and purity, fineness and affinity for bitumen [3]. The composition of the filler material used in the mix
shall have certain limitation because if the rate is too high filler material will cause brittle and crack
pavement to be weak and easily melt when the weather is warm [4]

In general, high filler content in mixture will lower the optimum bitumen but increases the
density and stability. The use of filler will enhance the strength and durability of asphalt mix. Type of
filler material that often used is Portland cement, limestone and ash. The effect of filler material on
pavement bituminous mixture based on type and rate such as effect of durability and deformation,
potential impact, and impact value on Marshall testing

2.4

Bitumen

Bitumen is a natural mixture of hydrocarbons produces by a process or heat or both. Bitumen

exists in solid or concentrated liquid, black or brown in color and has the quality and waterproof
adhesion [5]. Bitumen functions as binder, stabilizer blend and consolidates the structures and upgrade
path. Aggregate and bitumen together with filler are the main ingredients in road pavement [6].

2.5

Egg Shell

According to available sources, the strength and durability found in egg shells are resistant to
fire and resistant to climate change. There have several layer of eggshell which function protects all
part from damage. Eggshell formation takes a long time in oviduct to the uterus. Calcium content
during the first four hour at rate 2.2% and increased to 5.6% per hour for sixteen hour. A total of 47%
of skeletal calcium diverted to the outer eggshell formation. From observations with the microscope
found eggshell consist of four layers namely the cuticle layer, foam layer, and membrane layer .
Production of tiles finishing using eggshell dust to study the performance factor study in
compressive strength and the strength of the liability burden floor finishes made. The study show
eggshell have a good physical and mechanical characterized properties and low absorption values.

3.0

Methodology

In achieving the objective, implementation process will pre-determined. When material used,
the value of specific gravity of each substance should be determined by an appropriate method. After
known the specific gravity of each substance, then the void in the mix and void filled bitumen can be
obtained. Marshall testing analysis was used to indicate the stability and strength of the flow in mix.
When all these value are acquired, the analysis of samples will determine the optimum bitumen
content.
After the value of optimum bitumen content was determined, the modified sample eggshell as
filler will construct. The procedure on finding optimum bitumen content (OBC) was similar to find the
value of optimum eggshell content (OESC) with using hot mix asphalt. The comparison is made
against the conventional sample with optimum eggshell content.

3.1

Sample Preparation

Aggregate selected must have the appropriate characteristic as hot mix concrete asphalt
materials (HMA). Aggregate selected according to the size needed. Sieve size used in the experiment
consists of sieve aperture size of 28mm, 20mm, 14mm, 10mm, 5mm, 3.35mm, 1.18mm, 0.425mm,
0.15mm, 0.075mm and tray (pan). Sieve aggregate put in separate containers according the size
specified above the mixed in the ratio of the aggregate percentage required. Figure 3.1 shows the
aggregate that has been isolated according to the size.

Figure 3.1: Aggregate according to the sieve size.

3.2

Marshall Design

Marshall Design method is commonly used. Marshall Design objective are to determine the
aggregate mixing and optimum bitumen content that blends produced durable, stable, have adequate
voids, can be treated, flexible, economic and quality. Marshall Design procedure can be summarized
as the selection of aggregate and bitumen, selection of grading, determination of specific gravity of
combined aggregate, determination of mixing and compaction temperature, preparation of compacted
specimens, testing stability and flow and selection of optimum content. Figure 3.2 shows the sample
have been design.

Figure 3.2: Marshall sample

4.0

Data Analysis and Discussion

Based on the result of tests carried out, the result obtained data will be analyze and evaluate to
determine the performance and suitability of egg shells as filler in hot mix asphalt concrete. The result
has been compares based on the limitation specifications from JKR/SPJ/2008

4.1

Aggregates Grading

The aggregate used was obtained from UTHM laboratory of transportation and traffic safety. The
specification based on AC14 design. Aggregate used base on the average of the upper limit and lower
limit of the aggregate grading. Table 4.1 shows the aggregate grading of aggregates used in this study.
Figure 4.1 shows the sieve analysis of aggregate graph.

100

90

80

70

60

Passing (%)

50
Upper Limit

Lower limit

AC14

40

30

20

10

0
0.01

0.1

10

100

Aggregate Size (mm)

Figure 4.1: Graph of sieve analysis

Sieve Size
(mm)
20
14
10
5
3.35

Table 4.1: Aggregate grading and used in one Marshall sample

% Sieve
Weight
% Average
% Retained
Passing
Passing (g)
100
100
1200
90 100
95
5
1140
76 86
81
14
972
50 62
56
25
672
40 54
47
9
564

Weight
Retained (g)
0
60
228
528
636

1.18
0.425
0.15
0.075
Pan

4.2

18 34
12 24
6 14
48
-

26
18
10
6
-

21
8
8
4
6

312
216
120
72
-

888
984
1080
1128
1200

Specific Gravity

Specific gravity of material should be determined before Marshall Testing done. There are few
specific gravity was obtained from the analysis, such as specific gravity of coarse aggregate, specific
gravity of fine aggregate, specific gravity of filler and specific gravity of eggshell. Table 4.2 shows
the value of specific gravity material and specific gravity of mix aggregate.
Table 4.2: Value of specific gravity of material and specific gravity of mix aggregate
Specific Gravity of
Specific Gravity of Mix Aggregate
Sample Material
Modified filler (%)
Total SG
Sample
Bitumen
1.01
0%
2.612
Coarse Aggregate
2.555
1%
2.600
Fine Aggregate
2.613
3%
2.586
Filler (Cement Portland)
3.120
5%
2.573
Filler (Eggshell)
2.363
3.375%
2.584
Bulk specific gravity values were obtained after compaction of sample and the sample cooled
to room temperature. To get the bulk specific gravity, the mass of each sample required. Mass should
be taken are sample on air, on water and saturated surface dried. Bulk specific gravity values typical
and modified sample are shown in table 4.3. The specific gravity was obtained after completing
Marshall Analysis. The test was carried out in order to obtained the density and voids in the mixture
analysis.

Table 4.3: Bulk specific gravity in conventional and modified sample.

Conventional sample
Modified bitumen with OBC
Bitumen Content (%)
Bulk Specific Gravity
Eggshell Content (%)
Bulk Specific Gravity
4.5
2.269
0
2.302
5.0
2.306
1
2.292
5.5
2.314
3
2.302
6.0
2.348
5
2.294
6.5
2.323

4.3

Optimum Bitumen Content (OBC)

In order to produced asphalt concrete using modified filler material, the optimum
bitumen content should be obtained. OBC was determined based on Marshall testing analysis
which has been conducted from 4.5% to 6.5% of bitumen. Total conventional sample are 15
samples with 3 samples for each percentage. The value of OBC can be discover after graph of
density, stability, flow, stiffness, void fill with bitumen and void in total mix plotted. Figure
4.2 shows the graph to find the OBC.

4.87

Figure 4.2: Graph of density, Stability, VFB and VTM to calculate OBC
The value of OBC based on the graph above is 3.58%. To know either the value is accepted by
plot five parameters based on JKR/SPJ/2008. After OBC values have been derived, the stability, flow,
stiffness, VTM and VFB were determined from the graph and summarize in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3: Summary of parameter on OBC value
Parameter
Wearing Coat
Result
500 kg
Stability, S
980 kg
2.0 mm
Flow, F
3.15 mm
250 kg/mm
Stiffness, S/F
296 kg/mm
Void in Total Mix, VTM
3.0 5.0 %
3.40 %
Void Fill with Bitumen, VFB
75 85 %
79%

Remarks
OK!
OK!
OK!
OK!
OK!

4.4 Analysis of Effect using Eggshell as Filler in Asphalt Mixture AC14

From the optimum bitumen content value earned, sample of concrete mix by using asphaltic
mixture of eggshell as filler was provided. From the modified sample, the Marshall Test analysis will
be conducted to compare the parameter of the asphalt concrete mix data with eggshell and without
eggshell. The required Marshall parameters were same as for the parameter optimum bitumen content
(OBC. Figure 4.3 shows the graph with parameter needed to obtained the optimum eggshell content.
Table 4.4 shows the summary in Marshall testing in modified sample AC14 with eggshell as filler.

Figure 4.3: Parameter in optimum eggshell content.

Table 4.4: Summary in Marshall Testing in modified sample AC14 with eggshell filler based on JKR
specification
Eggshell Content
JKR Specification,
Marshall Parameter
0%
1%
3%
5%
2008
500 kg
Stability (kg)
921.094 1013.40 1115.16 1072.55
2.0 mm
Flow(mm)
2.500
3.76
3.74
2.82
250 kg/mm
Stiffness (kg/mm)
370.28
271.35
301.85
613.66
VTM (%)
4.330
4.400
3.511
3.406
3.0 5.0 %

VFB (%)
Spesific Gravity

74.029
2.612

73.517
2.600

77.839
2.586

79.374
2.573

75 85 %
-

Stability in strength of the mixture showed the ability to blend the mixture in order to resist
deformation due to traffic loads acting on it. Figure 4.3 shows the stability of the growing mixture over
the egg shell mixture. The Mixtures would be better when increasing the stability of the mixture.
However, mixture decreased at 5% of eggshell content.
Density of mixture showed the denseness of a mixture. Figure 4.3 shows the density of the
mixture on the rise as eggshell percentage is increasing. The eggshell was able to fill the cavity
between the aggregates and stick to the good cause with better compressed sample. Higher flow will
become higher rate in flexibility of asphalt concrete mixture. This shows the flow is proportional to the
value of flexibility. Figure of flow shows the value was not constant.
The terms cent void filled with bitumen shows that each component of aggregate used in the
sample must completely coated with bitumen. Features voids filled bitumen graph shows that there is
no uniform absorption of bitumen in sample containing egg shell. High bitumen content will result in
discharge problem to load large and high temperatures and pavement becomes brittle and prone to
cracking if the bitumen used to low.
Level of stiffness in mixture depends on the stability and flow. Base on the analysis of stability
and flow, both was increased at 1% of eggshell and decrease at 5% of eggshell. Otherwise, at 3% of
eggshell, the flow and stability was opposite. This indicates an increase and decrease in flow and
stability was not uniform.

4.5 The comparison between Conventional Sample With Modified Sample based on
Eggshell Content as Filler at OBC
Table 4.5 shows the parameters of the Marshall conventional sample with modified sample at
optimum filler eggshell content with standard verification samples. Through the modify sample
generated from the optimum eggshell content with optimum bitumen content, the data shows that
parameters obtained almost the same but the stability and robustness of the modified mix is better.
This shows the OESC at optimum bitumen content is better.

5.0

Table 4.5: Verification result in Marshall Testing

Marshall Parameter
Density
VTM
VFB
Aliran
Stability
3
(g/mm )
(%)
(%)
(mm)
(kg)

Bitumen
(%)

Egg
shell
(%)

5.38

3.15

3.40

79.00

2.500

980

296

5.38

3.38

2.302

3.44

77.200

3.668

1110

350.00

Stiffness
(kg/mm)

Conclusion

Based on this study, the used of eggshell as filler material in hot mix asphalt concrete produce
positive result and fulfill the specification of PWD. This shows that eggshell was suitable to apply on
the road. However, this study is suitable used on filler because the physical of eggshell fragile when
subjected to high loads. From the result obtained the best eggshell percentage rate from 3% to 5%.

Acknowledgement
Alhamdulillah, praise to Allah with His blessing, I completed my Final Year Project for
Bachelor Degree of Civil Engineering. I have learned so much of experience and knowledge during

my studies. A lot of thanks and appreciation to my Supervisor, Mr. Khairul Nizam Bin Mohd Yunus
with all his support and constructive ideas until I can finished my Final Year Project successfully. A
lots of thanks to technicians in Transportation Engineering Laboratory, Mr. Bahtiar, Mr. Rahim, and
Madam Halina for their co-operation during this project carried out. Besides that, I want to give
acknowledgement to my friends who support me to achieve this project successfully especially to my
close friends Zawani Binti Mohd Zahudi, Nor Asyurah Binti Ramli, Nurul Farehah Binti Amat and
Nur Liyana binti Nizamdin. Last but not least, to my parent who support me from behind

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