International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308

INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
AND TECHNOLOGY (IJCIET)

IJCIET

ISSN 0976 6308 (Print)

ISSN 0976 6316(Online)
Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197
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PERCENTAGE REPLACEMENT OF BITUMEN WITH SUGARCANE

WASTE MOLASSES
K. Shyam Prakash1,
1

M. Phanindra2,

S. Ram Surya3,

J. Naresh4

Asst. Professor Department of Civil Engineering, PVP Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Kanuru,
Vijayawada 520007 India
2, 3, 4
Student, Department of Civil Engineering MVR College of Engineering-521180, India

ABSTRACT
Bitumen the residue left over from petroleum distillation is throughout the world the most
significant bonding agent used for road way construction. Crude petroleum is a fossil mineral
resources and fuel source that will be used up within next 50years. Increasing energy costs and the
strong worldwide demand for petroleum has encouraged the development of alternative binders to
modify or replace asphalt binders. The benefits of using alternative binders are that they can save the
natural resources and reduce energy consumption, while maintaining, and in some cases improving
pavement performance. Because of urgent need of infrastructure, rehabilitation and maintenance, the
introduction and application of such sustainable and environmental friendly materials like sugar cane
waste molasses are required. And today the demand lies around 200 million tons.
Keywords: Bitumen, Molasses, Alternative Binders, Mixing Bitumen and Molasses, Eco- Friendly.
INTRODUCTION
General
Energy plays a crucial role in growth of developing countries like India. In the context of low
availability of non-renewable energy resources coupled with the requirements of large quantities of
energy for materials like bitumen, the importance of using industrial waste cannot be under
estimated. During the manufacturing of bitumen from the crude oil lot much amount of benzene,
sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are released this gases can be controlled to some extent in the
company, but during the transportation and application process the bitumen is heated to high
temperatures then the harmful gas carbon dioxide (co2) is released into the atmosphere causing lung
diseases and serious threat to the environment. In the Backdrop, the search for cheaper substitute to
bitumen is a needful one.
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
Bitumen
Bitumen is a mixture of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky, entirely soluble
in carbon disulfide, and composed primarily of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Naturally occurring or crude bitumen is a sticky, tar-like form of petroleum which is so thick and
heavy that it must be heated or diluted before it will flow. At the room temperature, it is much like
cold molasses. Refined bitumen is the residual (bottom) fraction obtained by fractional distillation
of crude oil. It is the heaviest fraction and the one with the highest boiling point, boiling at 525oC
(997oF).In British English, the word asphalt refers to a mixture of mineral aggregate and bitumen. In
Australian English, bitumen is sometimes used as the generic term for road surfaces. Bitumen is
primarily used for paving roads. Its other uses are for bituminous waterproofing products. Including
the use of bitumen in the production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.
Why Replacement???
The topic replacement of bitumen with waste materials is the one thought that took life from
reading the startling things about decaying of environment because of cement. There are some
current issues globally which are threatening the environment! Being civil engineers its our
nominal duty to take care of mother earth.
The problems with bitumen
1. Bitumens release huge amount of carbon dioxide.
2. There will be 8 to 37 % of carbons in one gallon oil bitumen.
3. The surfaces of asphalt roads made from normal bitumen have a tendency of becoming
greasy in wet road conditions; this is due to oil content of residue bitumen.
4. Black road surfaces made from bitumen absorb so much heat that heavy vehicles have been
known to lift the road surface creating road safety hazards for the public and also for the
motor vehicles.
5. Huge amount of heat is required to melt the bitumen during transportation and application
6. Aggregate and bitumen bond is attacked by the water reaction.
SOLID WASTE FROM SUGAR INDUSTRY
Molasses
Molasses is the dark, sweet, syrupy byproduct made during the extraction of sugars
from sugarcane and sugar beets. Molasses can vary in color, sweetness, and nutritional content
depending
on
the
variety
or
how
much
sugar
has
been
extracted.
Molasses has a rich history in the Caribbean and Southern United States, where sugarcane and sugar
beets are heavily cultivated. Molasses was also a popular sweetener throughout the United States in
the early 20th century.
How Molasses is made
During the sugar making process, juice extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets is boiled
down until the sugars crystallize and precipitate out. The syrup left over after crystallization is
referred to as molasses. Typically, sugar cane juice undergoes three cycles of boiling and
crystallization to extract as much sugar as possible. With each successive cycle, the left over
molasses contains less sugar.

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
Molasses varieties
Light Molasses: This is the syrup left over after the first boiling cycle of sugarcane juice. This
molasses is the lightest in colour, has the highest sugar content, and the least viscous. Texture
Dark Molasses: Dark molasses is the by product of the second boiling cycle of sugarcane This
molasses is darker and more viscous than light molasses, and contains less sugar.
Black Strap Molasses: This is the final by product of the third boiling cycle in the sugar making
process. This variety of molasses contains the least sugar and has the highest concentration of
vitamins and minerals. Black strap molasses has a very dark colour and is extremely viscous in
texture. Because this type of molasses is highly concentrated, it has a deep, spicy flavour.
Sulfured vs. Unsulfured Molasses: Sulfured molasses refers to molasses that has been treated with
sulfur dioxide as a preservative. Generally, only young sugarcane requires this treatment. Therefore,
molasses made from mature sugarcane is often unsulfured. Unsulfured molasses may have a lighter,
cleaner sugar flavour.
Uses of molasses
Baked Goods: In the United States, molasses is a common sweetener and flavouring in many baked
goods such as gingerbread, Boston brown bread, and shoofly pie. Molasses is also responsible for the
classic, sweet, rich flavour of baked beans.
Alcohol: Molasses is the sugar used to make rum. Rum is therefore common in regions of the world
where sugarcane or sugar beets are heavily cultivated because of the abundance of molasses.
Molasses is also sometimes used to brew dark ales like stout.
Brown Sugar: Molasses is responsible for the dark, rich flavour and texture of brown sugar. Brown
sugar is produced by combining refined white sugar with approximately 5% molasses.
Tobacco: Molasses is added to some tobacco products for flavour. Tobacco flavoured with molasses
is particularly popular in the Middle East for use in hookahs.
LITERATURE REVIEW
ASPHALT BITUMEN FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES BY SANDRA LAWSON
(MELBOURNE JULY 5)
An Australian research and development company has developed non-petroleum based,
asphalt bitumen substitute for roads. It is made from waste material derived from sugar cane,
molasses. It has taken more than 20 years to develop the road-grade substitute. Road safety and
health are the main intensity to develop the substitute or alternative. What is really surprising to
see is that the scientific community around the world has failed to address, pursue and support any
alternatives to petroleum based bitumen, almost believing that it will be around forever. Ironically it
took the change in the climatic condition said by overall.

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
ECOPAVE AUSTRALIA GEO320 TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES SHELL BITUMEN BY
DAMIEN JOHNSON (MELBOURNE-DECEMBER21, 2005)
The increase in non-toxic products was the key factor in eco pave choosing to completely
replace the traditional hydrocarbon bitumen model in 1997.
USE OF MOLASSES BY CAIRNS POST (Qld: 1909-1954), 17thSeptember 1941NATIONAL
LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
The experiments conducted in India have proved that distinct possibilities exist for the use of
this material for roads as bitumen is mostly imported to Australia and concrete is regarded as
expensive, any substitute that would provide a satisfactory road surface, and at the same time make
the use of a by-product of the sugar industry is worthy of construction Interesting details regarding
the Indian experiments are given in the report of the meeting of the Indian road congress, which
stated that two series of experiments were done.
PROPERTIES OF BITUMEN
TABLE 1: Properties of Bitumen
Ductility

Penetration
Test

Flash& Fire
Test

Viscosity

Specific
Gravity

Softening
Point

48 SEC

1.0

55.5C

198C &
46.333

52.33

220C

RECOMMENDED VALUES FOR THE PROPERITIES OF BITUMEN: Recommended

values for ductility test:
Paving bitumen and Penetration grade
Assam Petroleum

A25

Min ductility value

5

A35

10

A45

12

A65, A90 & A200

15

Bitumen from sources other than Assam Petroleum S35

50

S45, S65 & S90

75

Suitability of bitumen is judged depending on its type and proposed use. Bitumen with low
ductility value may get cracked especially in cold weather. Minimum values of ductility specified by
ISI for various grades are tabulated above.

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
Recommended values for penetration test
Penetration test is a commonly adopted test on bitumen to grade the material in terms of its
hardness. An 80/100 grade bitumen indicates that its penetration value lies between 80 &
100.Grading of bitumen helps to assess its suitability in different climatic conditions and types of
construction. For bituminous macadam and penetration macadam, IRC suggests bitumen grades
30/40, 60/70, 80/100. In warmer regions, lower penetration grades are preferred to avoid softening
whereas higher penetration grades like 180/200 are used in colder regions to prevent the occurrence
of excessive brittleness. High penetration grade is used in spray application works.
Recommended values for flash & fire test
The minimum value of flash point by Pen sky- Martens closed type apparatus is 175C for all
grades of bitumen.
Recommended values for viscosity test
Cutback bitumen

Orifice size (mm)

4.0

4.0

10

10

10

10

Temperatures (C)

25

25

25

25

40

40

25-75

30-250

10-20

25-75

14-45

60-140

Viscosity Ranges

Recommended values for specific gravity

The specific gravity of pure bitumen ranges from 0.97 to 1.02. according to Indian Standard
(BIS) minimum specific gravity of paving bitumen at 27C shall be 0.99 for grades A25, A35, A45,
A65, S35, S45 and S65 , 0.98 for A90 and S90 and 0.97 for A200 and S200.
Recommended values for softening point test:
Softening point indicates the temperature at which binders possess the same viscosity.
Bituminous materials do not have a melting point. Rather, the change of state from solid to liquid is
gradual over a wide range of temperature. Softening point has particular significance for materials to
be used as joint and crack fillers. Higher softening point ensures that they will not flow during
service. Higher the softening point, lesser the temperature susceptibility. Bitumen with higher
softening point is preferred in warmer places.
REPLACEMENT OF BITUMEN WITH MOLASES
The materials used for this investigation are bitumen, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates,
molasses and lime. Fine aggregates and coarse aggregates are taken form the crushing industries
which are located nearby. The size of coarse aggregates used must pass through 20mm sieve and
retained in 4.75mm sieve and fine aggregates passing through 4.75mm sieve. The grade of bitumen
used is having a viscosity grade-30. Molasses used is the waste obtained during the preparation of
sugar in sugar factory.
Tests are conducted for the materials collected. The tests conducted on aggregates are
Aggregate Crushing Value, Aggregate Impact Value, Specific Gravity and Water Absorption Test,
Los Angeles Abrasion Value, Flakiness index and Elongation Index of Coarse Aggregates. The

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
different tests conducted for bitumen are Penetration Value, Ductility, Softening Point, Viscosity
Test, Specific Gravity and Flash & Fire point.
By the tests conducted properties of aggregates, bitumen and molasses are obtained. The
OBC test is conducted for bitumen to known the optimum bitumen content. The moulds which r used
can hold the weight of 1200gms. The amount of aggregate to be taken is obtained by removing the
bitumen weight from the mould weight.
At first the specimen is prepared for 100% bitumen i.e.., free from molasses. Aggregates
should be added to bitumen by melting the bitumen at a temperature of 200C. The sample shouldnt
be over heated because the sample may lose its properties Stir the mix thoroughly until the mix
becomes uniform. Gently fill the mould by the mix and should be compacted on both sides, each side
with 50 blows. If the specimen is broken and sticks to the mould then the sample are failed this is
caused due to overheating of the sample. Keep the specimen undisturbed to make it dry & gently
remove it from the mould. Apply grease or wax to the mould and kept in water bath for 24 hours.
Weigh the sample before & after keeping in water bath. Specific Gravity test is conducted after 24
hours. Weigh the sample. Marshall Stability Test is conducted with a load of 25KN, after the
specimen is completely dry. Note the flow value and dial gauge readings.
By the same process this test is conducted for various specimens of 1 to 15% replacements of
bitumen. Lime is added during mixing to control the water absorption when kept in water bath for 24
hours.

Fig 1: samples of 13% Replacement of bitumen with molasses

The above figure shows the 13% replacement of molasses with bitumen. This shows that
molasses can be replaced with bitumen upto certain percentage.

Fig 2: 4.20, 4.5,4.75 Pure Optimum Bitumen

Bitumen Content Sample
In the above shown the specimens are prepared to find the optimum bitumen content that
should be used in the investigation.
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
Table 2: Calculation of optimum molasses content after replacement
Bitumen
content (%)

Molasses
content
(%)

Air voids
(Vv)

Voids in
Mineral
Aggregate

Voids Filled
With
Bitumen
(VFB)

Stability

Flow
Value

100

4.6722

15.5233

69.9693

948.279

6.033

99

4.6569

15.37

70.4826

983.9922

5.367

98

4.6308

15.1978

70.1167

1142.6285

4.3

97

4.6119

15.0654

71.2375

1144.1405

4.077

96

4.6022

14.9236

69.94017

1230.746

3.967

95

4.5611

14.7449

69.528

1385.693

3.6

94

4.4889

14.5386

69.212

1435.89

3.33

93

4.3966

14.50344

69.6914

1624.343

3.25

92

4.2213

14.2233

70.3797

1762.779

3.033

91

4.1003

14.0066

70.881

1822.835

2.8233

90

10

4.0965

13.92938

70.65118

1907.59

2.633

89

11

3.5336

13.3252

73.5674

2028.705

2.443

88

12

2.6335

12.35439

78.8897

2045.276

2.25

87

13

2.79741

12.31331

77.2937

2102.157

2.067

86

14

4.0567

13.358346

69.71477

1914.975

2.15

85

15

5.47779

14.5539

62.45034

1793.867

2.233

GRAPHS
2250

STABILITY (KGS)

2000
1750
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
0

10

11

12

molasses (%)

Graph no:-1: Molasses(%) Vs Stability(KGS)

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14

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
Table 3: Values of Molasses Vs Stability
Molasses

Stability

948.27

983.99

1142.62

1144.14

1230.74

1385.69

1435.89

1624.34

Molasses

10

11

12

13

14

15

Stability

1762.77

1822.83

1907.59

2028.70

2045.27

2102.15

1914.97

1793.86

In the molasses vs. stability graph the molasses content is taken over the x-axis and the
stability is taken over the y- axis. In the above graph the stability goes on increasing up to the 13%
and then the stability goes on decreasing, so it is recommended replace upto the 13%. If the stability
increases the strength of the road increases and then the life of road increases. The minimum stability
value is 840kgs. The peak point in the stability graph is taken as the optimum molasses content.
When the stability increases the bonding nature between the aggregates is strong and resists the
damaging of road.
16

VMA (%)

15
14
13
12
11
10
0

10

11

12

13

14

15

MOLASSES (%)

Graph no:- 2: Molasses(%) Vs VMA(%)

Table 4: values of Molasses Vs VMA
Molasses

VMA

15.5233

15.3701

15.1978

15.0654

14.9236

14.7449

14.554

14.5034

Molasses

10

11

12

13

14

15

VMA

14.246

14.0066

13.9293

13.325

12.354

12.3133

13.3583

14.55

The above graph is plotted between the molasses content and the voids in mineral aggregate
(VMA). the molasses is taken over the x-axis and voids in the mineral aggregate is taken over the yaxis .the voids in the mineral aggregate decreases upto the 13 % and then increases. Voids in the
mineral should be as less as possible. The range of VMA should be less than 18%. When the VMA is
decreased then the voids decreases and the stability increase that means strength is high at 13% and
it goes on increasing so that the voids again increases and strength increases. Due to voids the sub
grade soil and stabilized soil get affected. Sometimes the aggregates absorb the water and weight
increases and wave shaped surface is formed
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME

VFB (%)

80

75

70

65
0

10

11

12

13

14

15

MOLASSES(%)

Graph no:-3: Molasses(%) Vs VFB(%)

Table 5: Values of molasses Vs VFB
Molasses
VFB

0
69.9693

Molasses
VFB

8
70.3291

1
70.4826
9
70.8818

2
70.1167
10
70.6511

3
71.2375
11
73.567

4
69.9401
12
78.8897

5
69.5281
13
77.2937

6
69.2123
14
69.7147

7
69.6914
15
62.4503

Above is a graph drawn between the molasses and voids filled with bitumen. The molasses
content (%) is take over the x-axis the voids filled with bitumen is taken over the y-axis . it is
observed that the voids filled with bitumen percentage increases up to the 13% and then decreases
beyond this percentage . voids filled with bitumen percentage should be greater than 75% so that the
bitumen mix will be in good condition. If the bitumen mix is not properly mixed and filled so that the
strength decreases. If voids are not properly filled then the bonding nature between the aggregates,
fillers decreases and the aggregates get dispersed away and the potholes get formed on the roads.
When the heavy load vehicles travel on this roads then the damage of roads get increase.
CONCLUSION
Form the study the behaviour of molasses modified bituminous mix it was found that the
modified mix posses improved Marshall Characteristics as method below .it was observed that
marshal stability value increases up to 13% and then decreases and also flow value decreases upon
addition of molasses. The parameters such as Vv, Vb, VMA, and VFB are within the required
specifications. Considering this we can assure we can obtain more stable and durable mix. The
optimum bitumen content of mix is 4.7%. The small investigation not only utilizes beneficially, the
solid waste molasses but also provides us improved pavement characteristics such as road safety,
visibility, long life, strength, recycling, workability and another one that is environment. The
temperatures are rising towards 500c and rains are danger at these temperatures, so by using this
molasses modified mix we can save environment, the main global environment objectives towards
Zero emission. By using molasses to the bituminous mix amount of release of carbon dioxide
decreases and also products of molasses also decreases which are very harmful to human health. By
spraying this molasses over the aggregates increases binding characteristics. The molasses modified
bituminous mix reduces the void present in the mix; this prevents the moisture absorption and
oxidation of bitumen entrapped air. The road can withstand heavy traffic and better service. This
modification not only add value to molasses but will also develop technology which is eco-friendly.
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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 7, July (2014), pp. 188-197 IAEME
So it is recommended that more research regarding the topic should be done and more trial sections
should be laid and their performance should be studied.
REFERENCES
Journal papers
Synthetic bitumen by ecopave Australia in the year 2002
Eco-road building for emerging economies: an initial scan for promising alternative
technologies by global knowledge partnership(gtkp)
3. Asphalt bitumen from renewable resources by Sandra Lawson
4. Ecopave Australia GEO320 technology improves shell bitumen by Damien Johnson.
5. Paving towards future by Vivien cuttle.
6. Molasses road will head north by kirsty Ross (Tuesday 8 march,2005)
7. Uses of molasses for road building cairns post (qld: 1909-1954) September 1941.
8. Marshal Mix design NPTEL may 24, 2006 (introduction to transportation engineering by jom
v. athev and k.v. Krishna rao).
9. Marshal method by main roads Western Australia.
10. R.Sathishkumar and Dr.S.P.Jeyapriya, Comparison of Strength Properties of Bitumen Mixed
with Waste Materials as Modifier, International Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology
(IJCIET), Volume 4, Issue 4, 2013, pp. 219 - 224, ISSN Print: 0976 6308, ISSN Online:
0976 6316.
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2.

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