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Nano-Modified Asphalt Binders and Mixtures to Enhance Pavement Performance

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2020) | Viewed by 39679

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Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: reclaimed asphalt pavement; circular economy; asphalt mixture; recycled concrete aggregate; electric arc furnace slag; pavement management systems; urban environment road safety; dynamic traffic management
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Co-Guest Editor
CERIS, DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: pavement engineering; modified asphalt binders; asphalt aging; recycled aggregates; steel slag aggregate; mechanical performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The modification of asphalt binders with nanomaterials seems to be very promising to enhance the performance and durability of the asphalt concrete forming the core layers of flexible pavements. The nanomaterials were revealed to be very effective modifiers of other materials, being particularly attractive for the enhancement of a more effective asphalt binder polymerization.

We are inviting you to contribute to this Special Issue, which will be a source of information on the progress on the performance and durability of nano-modified asphalt binders and mixtures, as well as experimental techniques dedicated to binder modification and characterization.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Nanomaterials suitable for asphalt binder modification
  • Characterization of nano-modified binders
  • Mechanical performance of nano-modified asphalt mixtures
  • Evaluation of the durability of nano-modified asphalt
  • New techniques for binder and mixture characterization
  • Life cycle assessment of nano-modified asphalt materials.

Let’s come together to publish a significant reference work on this subject.

Prof. Dr. Luís Picado Santos
Dr. João Crucho
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • Aging
  • Asphalt Binder
  • Asphalt Mixtures
  • Durability
  • Mechanical Performance
  • Nanomaterials
  • Flexible Pavements

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 195 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue on Nano-Modified Asphalt Binders and Mixtures to Enhance Pavement Performance
by Luís Picado-Santos and João Crucho
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4187; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124187 - 18 Jun 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1932
Abstract
This Special Issue is dedicated to the use of nanomaterials for the modification of asphalt binders to support the analysis of the relevant properties and to determine if the modification indicated a more efficient use of asphalt mixtures’ fabrication or their modification in [...] Read more.
This Special Issue is dedicated to the use of nanomaterials for the modification of asphalt binders to support the analysis of the relevant properties and to determine if the modification indicated a more efficient use of asphalt mixtures’ fabrication or their modification in the context of asphalt mixtures’ fabrication and the improvement (or lack thereof) of these last ones to constitute effective asphalt pavement layers [...] Full article

Research

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20 pages, 3277 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chemical Composition of Bio- and Petroleum-Based Modifiers on Asphalt Binder Rheology
by Punit Singhvi, Javier J. García Mainieri, Hasan Ozer, Brajendra K. Sharma and Imad L. Al-Qadi
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3249; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093249 - 7 May 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2841
Abstract
In recent years, increased use of recycled asphalt materials (RAP) has created a need for softer binders to compensate stiffer binder coming from RAP. Economic alternatives, like recycled oils and proprietary bio-based oils, can be potential modifiers that will reduce the dependence on [...] Read more.
In recent years, increased use of recycled asphalt materials (RAP) has created a need for softer binders to compensate stiffer binder coming from RAP. Economic alternatives, like recycled oils and proprietary bio-based oils, can be potential modifiers that will reduce the dependence on petroleum-based alternatives. However, there is limited information on the long-term rheological performance of binders modified with proprietary modifiers. These modifiers are chemically complex and their interaction with binders further complicates the binder chemistry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of modifier chemistry on modified binders’ long-term cracking potential. A base binder of Superpave Performance Grade (PG) 64-22 was used to develop PG 58-28 binder using six different modifiers. An unmodified PG 58-28 was included for a comparative analysis. A few modified binders rheologically outperformed the base binder and others performed similarly. The modifier derived from recycled engine oil showed the worst performance. Chemical analysis indicated that the best performing modified binders had significant amounts of nitrogen in the form of amines. On the other hand, poor performing modified binder had traces of sulfur. Additionally, modifiers with lower average molecular weights appeared to have a positive impact on the performance of aged binders. Full article
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15 pages, 4542 KiB  
Article
Microwave Healing Performance of Asphalt Mixture Containing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Slag and Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs)
by Federico Gulisano, João Crucho, Juan Gallego and Luis Picado-Santos
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(4), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10041428 - 20 Feb 2020
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 4374
Abstract
Pavement preventive maintenance is an important tool for extending the service life of the road pavements. Microwave heating seems to be a promising technology for this application, as bituminous materials have the potential to self-repair above a certain temperature. As ordinary asphalt mixture [...] Read more.
Pavement preventive maintenance is an important tool for extending the service life of the road pavements. Microwave heating seems to be a promising technology for this application, as bituminous materials have the potential to self-repair above a certain temperature. As ordinary asphalt mixture has low microwave absorbing properties, some additives should be used to improve the heating efficiency. In this paper, the effect of adding Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag and Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the microwave heating and healing efficiency of asphalt mixtures was evaluated. Microwave heating efficiency was assessed by heating the specimens using several heating times. In addition, the electrical resistivity of the mixtures was measured to understand its possible relationship with the microwave heating process. Furthermore, the healing rates of the asphalt mixtures were assessed by repeated Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) tests. The results obtained indicate that the additions of graphene and EAF slag can allow important savings, up to 50%, on the energy required to perform a good healing process. Full article
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14 pages, 3435 KiB  
Article
An Assessment of Moisture Susceptibility and Ageing Effect on Nanoclay-Modified AC Mixtures Containing Flakes of Plastic Film Collected as Urban Waste
by Arminda Almeida, João Crucho, César Abreu and Luís Picado-Santos
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(18), 3738; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183738 - 7 Sep 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2425
Abstract
In this research, the moisture susceptibility of a nanoclay-modified asphalt concrete (AC) mixture containing plastic film (in flakes) collected as urban waste was evaluated with specimens subjected to the tecnico accelerated ageing (TEAGE) procedure. The TEAGE procedure attempts to simulate—in a laboratory setting—the [...] Read more.
In this research, the moisture susceptibility of a nanoclay-modified asphalt concrete (AC) mixture containing plastic film (in flakes) collected as urban waste was evaluated with specimens subjected to the tecnico accelerated ageing (TEAGE) procedure. The TEAGE procedure attempts to simulate—in a laboratory setting—the effect of field ageing by applying watering/drying cycles and ultraviolet radiation. For comparison purposes, three AC mixtures were considered, one for control, without plastic and nanoclay, a mixture with only plastic, and a mixture with both plastic and nanoclay. Furthermore, only half of the specimens were subjected to the ageing procedure. The plastic was added to the mixture using the dry process, and the nanoclay was blended with the bitumen before mixture preparation. The moisture susceptibility was evaluated, using a total of 48 Marshall specimens, by the indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR). From the results of this study, the nanoclay-modified AC mixture containing plastic film presented slightly higher indirect tensile strength (ITS) values, lower moisture susceptibility, and enhanced ageing resistance. These slight improvements can be justified by the reduced air voids content of the samples and consequently they must be seen as conservative. Nevertheless, the modification of AC mixtures with flakes of plastic and nanoclay can be a viable solution for the recycling of plastic film collected as urban waste, being an eco-friendly alternative to disposal in landfills. Full article
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16 pages, 2589 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Rheological Behavior, Resistance to Permanent Deformation, and Resistance to Fatigue of Asphalt Mixtures Modified with Nanoclay and SBS Polymer
by Gabriela Ceccon Carlesso, Glicério Trichês, João Victor Staub de Melo, Matheus Felipe Marcon, Liseane Padilha Thives and Lídia Carolina da Luz
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(13), 2697; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9132697 - 2 Jul 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3134
Abstract
Fatigue cracking and rutting are among the main distresses identified in flexible pavements. To reduce these problems and other distresses, modified asphalt mixtures have been designed and studied. In this regard, this paper presents the results of a study on rheological behavior and [...] Read more.
Fatigue cracking and rutting are among the main distresses identified in flexible pavements. To reduce these problems and other distresses, modified asphalt mixtures have been designed and studied. In this regard, this paper presents the results of a study on rheological behavior and resistance to permanent deformation and to fatigue of four different asphalt mixtures: (1) with conventional asphalt binder (CAP 50/70); (2) with binder modified by nanoclay (3% NC); (3) with binder modified by styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer (SBS 60/85); and (4) with binder modified by nanoclay and SBS (3% NC + 2% SBS). For this analysis, the mixtures were evaluated based on complex modulus, permanent deformation tests, and fatigue tests (4PB, in the four-point bending apparatus), with the subsequent application of numerical simulations. The results obtained show a better rheological behavior related to greater resistance to permanent deformation for the mixture 3% NC + 2% SBS, which could represent an alternative for roads where a high resistance to rutting is required. Otherwise, on fatigue tests, higher resistance was observed for the SBS 60/85 mixture, followed by the 3% NC + 2% SBS mixture. Nevertheless, based on the results of the numerical simulations and considering the possibility of cost reduction for the use of the 3% NC + 2% SBS mixture, it is concluded that this modified material has potential to provide improvements to the road sector around the world, especially in Brazil. Full article
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11 pages, 3071 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Photocatalytic Effect of Nano TiO2 Epoxy Emulsified Asphalt Mixture
by Ming Huang and Xuejun Wen
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(12), 2464; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9122464 - 17 Jun 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2720
Abstract
The two major problems that have plagued urban underground roads since their introduction are the harmful emissions caused by hot mix paving and vehicle exhaust accumulation during operation. In order to solve these two problems at the same time, a new asphalt mixture [...] Read more.
The two major problems that have plagued urban underground roads since their introduction are the harmful emissions caused by hot mix paving and vehicle exhaust accumulation during operation. In order to solve these two problems at the same time, a new asphalt mixture degrading automobile exhaust, which has the advantage of cold mix and cold-application, was presented and studied. A considerable amount of research shows that the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) for pavements has received considerable attention in recent years to improve air quality near large metropolitan areas. However, the proper method of applying TiO2 to asphalt pavements is still unclear. The new mixture presented in this article contains epoxy emulsified asphalt as the binder; therefore, how to apply TiO2 in the special asphalt mixture proves to be the main focus. By experimental design, four influence factors on the photocatalytic effect, which are the nano-TiO2 particle sizes, dosage, degradation time, and light intensity, have been investigated. The experimental results showed that the 5-nm particle size of TiO2 is better than 10–15 nm for exhaust gas degradation, especially for HC and NO; with an increase in the amount of photocatalytic material, the degradation of CO and CO2 in the exhaust gas did not increase obviously, while the degradation effects of HC and NO were remarkable; in the 4-h time extended degradation test, the experimental data show that the extended time has little effect on the degradation rate of CO2 and CO, and the general trend is that the degradation of exhaust became significant with the extension of time; while setting a 2-h NO degradation rate as an indicator, to make the index more than 50% or 25%, the average illumination of the road surface cannot be less than 60 lx or 40 lx. Full article
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19 pages, 4746 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Effect of Nano Hydrophobic Silane Silica on Aggregate-Bitumen Interface Bond Strength in the Spring-Thaw Season
by Wei Guo, Xuedong Guo, Jilu Li, Yingsong Li, Mingzhi Sun and Wenting Dai
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(12), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9122393 - 12 Jun 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2886
Abstract
In the asphalt–aggregate system, the aggregate-bitumen interface cohesive and adhesive bond determine the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement. The presence of moisture leading to adhesive failure at the binder-aggregate interface and/or cohesive failure within the binder or binder-filler mastic is the main mechanisms [...] Read more.
In the asphalt–aggregate system, the aggregate-bitumen interface cohesive and adhesive bond determine the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement. The presence of moisture leading to adhesive failure at the binder-aggregate interface and/or cohesive failure within the binder or binder-filler mastic is the main mechanisms of moisture damage in the spring-thaw season. In order to evaluate the effect of nano hydrophobic silane silica (NHSS) on aggregate-bitumen interface bond strength in the spring-thaw season, an aggregate-bitumen interface bond strength test was proposed to quantify the interface bond strength of base asphalt and NHSS modified asphalt. Then, the effect of temperature, freeze-thawing cycles and moisture on aggregate-bitumen interface shear strength of base asphalt and NHSS modified asphalt was also discussed. The results illustrated that the shear failure dominated the aggregate-bitumen interface bonding failure in the spring-thaw season, and temperature and moisture had a significant effect on interface shear strength of modified and unmodified asphalt. Moreover, the addition of NHSS could increase the aggregate-bitumen interface shear strength under any working conditions. Furthermore, the moisture damage model of aggregate-bitumen interface shear strength of base asphalt (BA) and NHSS modified asphalt was established based on a research method combining numerical calculations and laboratory tests. Full article
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19 pages, 47612 KiB  
Article
Laboratory Assessment of Deteriorating Performance of Nano Hydrophobic Silane Silica Modified Asphalt in Spring-Thaw Season
by Wei Guo, Xuedong Guo, Wuxing Chen, Yingsong Li, Mingzhi Sun and Wenting Dai
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(11), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9112305 - 4 Jun 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2599
Abstract
In the seasonal frozen regions, freeze-thaw (F-T) damage is the main pavement damage, causing a variety of poor conditions in bitumen pavement, such as cracks, pits, potholes, and slush. In previous studies, we evaluated the effect of nano hydrophobic silane silica (NHSS) on [...] Read more.
In the seasonal frozen regions, freeze-thaw (F-T) damage is the main pavement damage, causing a variety of poor conditions in bitumen pavement, such as cracks, pits, potholes, and slush. In previous studies, we evaluated the effect of nano hydrophobic silane silica (NHSS) on the degradation of asphalt mixture under F-T cycles, and established the damage model of NHSS modified asphalt mixture in spring-thawing season. To gain more understanding of the influence of NHSS on asphalt in spring-thawing season, NHSS modified asphalt was systematically analyzed under F-T aging process in this study. The main research objective of this paper was to investigate the deteriorating properties of NHSS modified asphalt under Freeze-thaw aging process. Within this article, the physicochemical characteristics of NHSS modified asphalt were determined by using various laboratory tests, which included basic property test, dynamic shear rheometer test (DSR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the incorporation of NHSS could inhibit the F-T aging process of asphalt. Moreover, the chemical composition and thermal stability of asphalt under F-T aging process was analyzed through FITR and TGA test parameters. The results illustrated that the sulfoxide functional groups content index was more suitable for evaluating the aging degree of asphalt in the spring-thawing season and the F-T aging process had a great impact on the thermal property of NHSS modified asphalt. Full article
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13 pages, 1601 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment for the Production Phase of Nano-Silica-Modified Asphalt Mixtures
by Solomon Sackey, Dong-Eun Lee and Byung-Soo Kim
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(7), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9071315 - 29 Mar 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4527
Abstract
To combat the rutting effect and other distresses in asphalt concrete pavement, certain modifiers and additives have been developed to modify the asphalt mixture to improve its performance. Although few additives exist, nanomaterials have recently attracted significant attention from the pavement industry. Several [...] Read more.
To combat the rutting effect and other distresses in asphalt concrete pavement, certain modifiers and additives have been developed to modify the asphalt mixture to improve its performance. Although few additives exist, nanomaterials have recently attracted significant attention from the pavement industry. Several experimental studies have shown that the use of nanomaterials to modify asphalt binder results in an improved oxidative aging property, increased resistance to the rutting effect, and improves the rheological properties of the asphalt mixture. However, despite the numerous benefits of using nanomaterials in asphalt binders and materials, there are various uncertainties regarding the environmental impacts of nano-modified asphalt mixtures (NMAM). Therefore, this study assessed a Nano-Silica-Modified Asphalt Mixtures in terms of materials production emissions through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology (LCA), and the results were compared to a conventional asphalt mixture to understand the impact contribution of nano-silica in asphalt mixtures. To be able to compare the relative significance of each impact category, the normalized score for each impact category was calculated using the impact scores and the normalization factors. The results showed that NMAM had a global warming potential of 7.44563 × 103 kg CO2-Eq per functional unit (FU) compared to 7.41900 × 103 kg CO2-Eq per functional unit of the conventional asphalt mixture. The application of LCA to NMAM has the potential to guide decision-makers on the selection of pavement modification additives to realize the benefits of using nanomaterials in pavements while avoiding potential environmental risks. Full article
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19 pages, 5966 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation into the Structural and Functional Performance of Graphene Nano-Platelet (GNP)-Doped Asphalt
by Murryam Hafeez, Naveed Ahmad, Mumtaz Ahmed Kamal, Javaria Rafi, Muhammad Faizan ul Haq, Jamal, Syed Bilal Ahmed Zaidi and Muhammad Ali Nasir
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9040686 - 17 Feb 2019
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4435
Abstract
With the increase in the demand for bitumen, it has become essential for pavement engineers to ensure that construction of sustainable pavements occurs. For a complete analysis of the pavement, both its structural and functional performances are considered. In this study, a novel [...] Read more.
With the increase in the demand for bitumen, it has become essential for pavement engineers to ensure that construction of sustainable pavements occurs. For a complete analysis of the pavement, both its structural and functional performances are considered. In this study, a novel material (i.e., Graphene Nano-Platelets (GNPs)) has been used to enhance both of the types of pavements’ performances. Two percentages of GNPs (i.e., 2% and 4% by the weight of the binder) were used for the modification of asphalt binder in order to achieve the desired Performance Grade. GNPs were homogeneously dispersed in the asphalt binder, which was validated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and a Hot Storage Stability Test. To analyze the structural performance of the GNPs-doped asphalt, its rheology, resistance to permanent deformation, resistance to moisture damage, and bitumen-aggregate adhesive bond strength were studied. For the analysis of the functional performance, the skid resistance and polishing effect were studied using a British Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester. The results showed that GNPs improved not only the rutting resistance of the pavement but also its durability. The high surface area of GNPs increases the pavement’s bonding strength and makes the asphalt binder stiffer. GNPs also provide nano-texture to the pavement, which enhances its skid resistance. Thus, we can recommend GNPs as an all-around modifier that could improve not only the structural performance but also the functional performance of asphalt pavements. Full article
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Review

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31 pages, 6236 KiB  
Review
A Review of Nanomaterials’ Effect on Mechanical Performance and Aging of Asphalt Mixtures
by João Crucho, Luís Picado-Santos, José Neves and Silvino Capitão
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(18), 3657; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183657 - 4 Sep 2019
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 6134
Abstract
This review addresses the effects of the modifications with nanomaterials, particularly nanosilica, nanoclays, and nanoiron, on the mechanical performance and aging resistance of asphalt mixtures. The desire for high-performance and long-lasting asphalt pavements significantly pushed the modification of the conventional paving asphalt binders. [...] Read more.
This review addresses the effects of the modifications with nanomaterials, particularly nanosilica, nanoclays, and nanoiron, on the mechanical performance and aging resistance of asphalt mixtures. The desire for high-performance and long-lasting asphalt pavements significantly pushed the modification of the conventional paving asphalt binders. To cope with such demand, the use of nanomaterials for the asphalt binder modification seems promising, as with a small amount of modification an important enhancement of the asphalt mixture mechanical performance can be attained. Several studies already evaluated the effects of the modifications with nanomaterials, mostly focusing on the asphalt binder properties and rheology, and the positive findings encouraged the study of modified asphalt mixtures. This review focuses on the effects attained in the mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures, under fresh and aged conditions. Generally, the effects of each nanomaterial were evaluated with the current state-of-art tests for the characterization of mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures, such as, permanent deformation, stiffness modulus, fatigue resistance, indirect tensile strength, and Marshall stability. Aging indicators, as the aging sensitivity, were used to evaluate the effects in the asphalt mixture’s aging resistance. Finally, to present a better insight into the economic feasibility of the analyzed nanomaterials, a simple cost analysis is performed. Full article
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