Investigating Low-Temperature Properties of Nano Clay–Modified Asphalt through an Energy-Based Approach

What is it about?

Use of nanomaterials has got considerable attention in the pavement research community in recent years to improve various performance-related parameters due to its higher surface area, and nanoscale size. Among various nanomaterials for asphalt binder modification purpose, Nano Clay (NC) is currently considered as one among the most promising nano-additive. Research works in recent years have shown the ability of NC to improve the high and intermediate temperature performance of asphalt binder. However, limited research works have been reported discussing the influence of NC on low temperature properties of asphalt binder. Moreover, reported research work shows inconsistent conclusive remark about the impact of NC on low temperature properties of asphalt binder. This indicates a need for further investigation in this direction through fundamental approaches to gain more confidence in such responses. Therefore, the present research work was aimed at investigating the effect of NC on low temperature properties of asphalt binder. Along with the conventional approach, extensive discussion on dissipated energy based approach has been made through viscoelastic modeling of Bending Beam Rheometer data using the Burgers model to make appropriate conclusive remarks. It is expected that present research work may help in developing a better understanding on the effect of NC on low temperature properties of asphalt binder.

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