Modification of bitumen for road construction

Abstract

To increase reliability and durability of road surfaces, asphalt concrete based on modified bitumens is actively used. Experts' research shows that in modified bitumen extracted from road surfaces after 10 years of operation there are no significant changes in viscosity. The purpose of this study is to improve the properties of bitumen and asphalt concrete based on it by modifying road bitumen with carbon nanotubes. Bitumen was modified with carbon nano-tubes obtained by deposition from the gas phase in the laboratory of Vladimir State University. The selection of the optimal amount of the introduced modifier was performed, modified bitu-men was prepared, its properties were determined, and a comparative analysis of the properties of asphalt concrete made on modified and non-modified bitumen was carried out. Due to the introduction of carbon nanotubes into the heated bitumen, the strength and elasticity of the resulting asphalt concrete are significantly increased. The test results showed an improvement in all quality indicators of asphalt concrete by 7-9%, which allows us to say that the resulting composite has increased strength characteristics.