Impact of Graphene-Based Additives on Bituminous Mixtures: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

Asphalt pavements are subject to deterioration due to numerous factors such as traffic, temperature, rains, climatic change, and aging. This affects the expected life and the corresponding life cycle costing. Despite the fact that bituminous mixtures containing graphene can yield higher performance, there are still many uncertainties. These latter refer to graphene cost (as a function of type and market) and to the variability of results that can be obtained based on several factors, including percentage, type of graphene, process, components, and type of mixture. Based on the above, the objectives of the study presented in this paper have been confined into the preliminary assessment of the impact of graphene-based additives on bituminous mixtures. In the light of the above, analyses and tests were carried out on both the bitumen and the bituminous mixtures. Using a percentage of graphene-based additives of 10% by weight of the bitumen, an increase of mixture resistance was obtained.