Hot Mix Aspalt Characteristics Improved with Nano Materiales

Abstract

Common failures in road asphalt pavement includes fatigue, rutting and cracking. It is also common that these failures are usually resulted from either temperature sensitivity or moisture susceptibility of asphalt mix or one of its component - asphalt or aggregate. Many studies have recently dealt with these problems in asphalt roads and several solutions were proposed. Using nano-materials is one of these advanced solutions. Investigating the feasibility of using nano-materials as a mechanism for improving asphalt mix characteristics is the aim of this project. Specifically, the potential effects of nano-carbon in improving bituminous mixtures used in road paving have been experimentally studied. Several tests on bitumen and bituminous mixture with and without nano-carbon have been conducted. Penetration, softening point and ductility were conducted on the base and modified bitumen, while Marshall Stability, retained strength and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) tests have been carried out on asphalt mixture. The results proved that using nano carbon can largely improve Marshall Stability, ITS and index of retained strength. On the other hand, it is found that the penetration at high temperatures decreased significantly despite there was a slight decrease in it at low temperatures; therefore, it is recommended that modified mixtures - i.e. those with nano carbon - can greatly withstand permanent deformation in comparison with control mixtures.