Characteristics of asphalt binder and mixture containing nanosilica

Abstract

The aim of this study is to address the feasibility of using nanosilica (NS) in bituminous pavements from the perspective of asphalt binder and corresponding mixture characteristics. In this paper, the characteristics of asphalt binder containing 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% of NS have been investigated in terms of the penetration, softening point, viscosity, and changes in chemical bonds using the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. An additional laboratory study was conducted to characterize the performance properties of the corresponding asphalt mixtures based on the resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength, fracture energy, moisture susceptibility, and fatigue life. Overall, the addition of NS material has a positive influence on different properties of the asphalt binder and mixture and can be used to construct durable pavements, thereby reduce the life-cycle costs of the pavement.