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Nanomaterials and Other Additives to Enhance Asphalt 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 (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 52466

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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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 Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The modification of asphalt binders using certain additives as nanomaterials or special modifiers seems to be a very promising approach to enhance the performance and durability, seen as through improved resistance to aging caused by climatic conditions, of the asphalt concrete forming the core layers of flexible pavements. However, asphalt pavements also comprise other types of layers, both untreated and treated, that have an important role in the overall resistance needed to withstand traffic loads and climatic actions. The load burden due to climatic changes was amplified over the last two or three decades, and the current predictions are of even worse conditions for the decades to come, with increasing air temperature and precipitation, and the rising sea level, which will affect coastal areas, among other effects. All of these issues demand better materials to cope with these new conditions. In addition, the use of byproducts and recycled materials in the different layers of flexible pavements is a goal toward the increased use of sustainable construction materials, which should also be possible to utilize under the worsening load conditions expected.

We are inviting you to contribute to this Special Issue, which will serve as a source of information on the latest progress regarding the performance and durability of special modified asphalt binders and mixtures as well as untreated (and treated) granular layers of flexible pavements prepared to withstand the burden of future climatic changes.

 Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Nanomaterials and other additives suitable for asphalt binder modification
  • The use of recycled materials and byproducts in flexible pavement layers toward a more sustainable future for construction
  • Characterization and mechanical performance of modified asphalt mixtures with or without the use of recycled materials and byproducts
  • Evaluation of aging of modified asphalt binders and mixtures
  • New techniques to enhance the performance and durability of granular layers
  • Life cycle assessment of modified asphalt pavements with or without the use of recycled materials and byproducts
  • Life cycle assessment of modified asphalt special conceived to address climatic changes

Let us come together to publish a significant resource for 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

  • Asphalt Binders
  • Asphalt Mixtures
  • Climatic Aggression
  • Durability/Aging
  • Life Cycle Assessment
  • Nanomaterials/other Additives
  • Flexible/Semi-flexible Pavements
  • Performance
  • Recycled Materials
  • Unbound/bound granular layers.

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 197 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Nanomaterials and Other Additives to Enhance Asphalt Pavement Performance”
by Luís Picado-Santos and João Crucho
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11058; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111058 - 1 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
This Special Issue is dedicated to the modification of asphalt binders using certain additives as nanomaterials or special modifiers to enhance the performance and durability, seen through improved resistance to ageing caused by climatic conditions, of the asphalt concrete forming the core layers [...] Read more.
This Special Issue is dedicated to the modification of asphalt binders using certain additives as nanomaterials or special modifiers to enhance the performance and durability, seen through improved resistance to ageing caused by climatic conditions, of the asphalt concrete forming the core layers of flexible pavements [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

25 pages, 28792 KiB  
Article
Nanotechnology Applications towards Sustainable Road Surface Maintenance and Effective Asset Protection, Generating Rapid Employment Opportunities in a Post COVID-19 Era
by Gerrit J. Jordaan and Wynand J. vdM. Steyn
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052628 - 3 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3965
Abstract
The developing world has been faced with high rates of unemployment, exacerbated by extended enforced lockdowns due to the pandemic. Pressure is mounting for drastic intervention to accelerate economic growth and to provide employment opportunities. Most of these countries are faced with inadequate [...] Read more.
The developing world has been faced with high rates of unemployment, exacerbated by extended enforced lockdowns due to the pandemic. Pressure is mounting for drastic intervention to accelerate economic growth and to provide employment opportunities. Most of these countries are faced with inadequate road transport facilities in support of economic growth. The construction of high-order roads in support of economic growth requires high degrees of compliance with limited opportunities for increased labour content. However, many of the existing surfaced roads are notoriously lacking periodic preventative maintenance operations needed to preserve the integrity of road surfaces to protect pavement structures against water ingress and resultant rapid deterioration. This article demonstrates the ability of available, proven nanotechnologies to restore the water-resistant properties of already compromised road surfacings. It is shown that traditionally used road products can substantially be improved (in terms of strength properties and resistance to environmental factors) through the addition of applicable nanotechnology modifiers. These modified products can be applied at ambient temperatures, ideally suited for labour intensive applications as demonstrated, showing several examples of actual applications. A combination of modified existing technologies is recommended to partially restore severely compromised road surfacings, especially applicable to secondary and tertiary urban road networks. The implementation of the recommended restoration programmes can go a long way towards road asset preservation, while simultaneously addressing the urgent need for rapid employment generation. Full article
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23 pages, 14569 KiB  
Article
Practical Application of Nanotechnology Solutions in Pavement Engineering: Identifying, Resolving and Preventing the Cause and Mechanism of Observed Distress Encountered in Practice during Construction Using Marginal Materials Stabilised with New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME)
by Gerrit J. Jordaan and Wynand J. vdM. Steyn
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052573 - 1 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3032
Abstract
New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) for stabilising marginal materials used in the upper-pavement layers of roads have been proven in laboratories, through accelerated pavement tests (APT) in the field as well as in practice. In addition, materials design methods have been developed based [...] Read more.
New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) for stabilising marginal materials used in the upper-pavement layers of roads have been proven in laboratories, through accelerated pavement tests (APT) in the field as well as in practice. In addition, materials design methods have been developed based on the scientific analysis of granular material mineralogy and the chemical interaction with the binder to design a material-compatible anionic NME stabilising agent for naturally available (often marginal) materials. However, any new disruptive technology that is introduced into a traditionally well-established industry, such as the road construction industry, is usually associated with considerable resistance. This is especially relevant when the new technology enables the use of granular materials traditionally considered to be of an unacceptable quality in combination with relatively new concepts such as an anionic NME stabilising agent. In practice, few road construction projects are without problems. New technologies are obviously easy targets to blame for any non-related problems that may arise during construction. In this article, we aim to assist in pre-empting, recognising, preventing, and resolving material or non-material related construction problems by correctly identifying the cause of the problems and recommending the best, most cost-effective ways to correct any deficiencies on site. Full article
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18 pages, 4430 KiB  
Article
Using Plastic Waste in a Circular Economy Approach to Improve the Properties of Bituminous Binders
by Fernando C. G. Martinho, Luís G. Picado-Santos, Francisco M. S. Lemos, Maria Amélia N. D. A. Lemos and Everton R. F. Santos
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052526 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2286
Abstract
This work aims to use wax to modify a binder employed in the paving industry. This wax can be obtained either directly or as a by-product from plastic waste′s thermal cracking (pyrolysis). The study characterizes this sustainable material and the binders resulting from [...] Read more.
This work aims to use wax to modify a binder employed in the paving industry. This wax can be obtained either directly or as a by-product from plastic waste′s thermal cracking (pyrolysis). The study characterizes this sustainable material and the binders resulting from blending it with conventional or modified bitumen with other additives applied in the manufacture of bituminous mixtures. Different tests were used: thermogravimetric and spectroscopic analysis; consistency tests; testing of dynamic viscosity at various temperatures; and assessment of the rheologic properties of binders. As a result, several crucial findings were reached: this sustainable wax promotes changes in the viscosity of the binders, their handling temperatures can be reduced, and it contributes to some goals of the U.N. 2030 Agenda. In summary, this work allowed us to conclude that the positive effects of a suitable modification of the bituminous binders, which incorporated this wax and other additives, led to improved consistency and rheological behaviour, having provided, for example, lower temperature susceptibility and higher permanent deformation resistance. Full article
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20 pages, 8976 KiB  
Article
Influence of Plastic Waste on the Workability and Mechanical Behaviour of Asphalt Concrete
by Mariana Fonseca, Silvino Capitão, Arminda Almeida and Luís Picado-Santos
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12042146 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3824
Abstract
The use of plastic waste as a bitumen extender added throughout the manufacturing process of asphalt concrete contributes value to that type of waste. Moreover, this type of polymer can improve some mechanical properties of asphalt concrete without weakening its workability and other [...] Read more.
The use of plastic waste as a bitumen extender added throughout the manufacturing process of asphalt concrete contributes value to that type of waste. Moreover, this type of polymer can improve some mechanical properties of asphalt concrete without weakening its workability and other mechanical characteristics too much. The study aimed to address these issues for four types of plastic waste, using different plastic contents added by the dry process and compared the results with a conventional mixture without plastic. A set of laboratory tests, such as volumetric parameter evaluation, the Marshall, gyratory compactor, and indirect tensile tests, repetitive four-point bending; and repetitive compression, assessed the workability and mechanical behavior of the studied materials. The results show that, although the addition of plastic waste reduces workability, the asphalt concrete retains satisfactory handling conditions. By adding plastic waste, the asphalt concrete becomes more elastic, and the stiffness values of the material are adequate to apply the material in a pavement surface layer. The resistance to fatigue cracking was at a suitable level for the asphalt mixtures studied. Adding the plastic waste in the study generally improved resistance to permanent deformation, although the performance was plastic type and content dependent. Full article
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12 pages, 2394 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Performance of Cement Bound Granular Mixtures Using Recycled Aggregate and Coconut Fiber
by João Crucho, Luís Picado-Santos and José Neves
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12041936 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3572
Abstract
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) and coconut husk are frequently discharged into landfills, creating an environmental problem. However, the CDW can be used to obtain good-quality recycled aggregates (RA), and the coconut husk can be processed into coconut fiber (CF). These materials can [...] Read more.
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) and coconut husk are frequently discharged into landfills, creating an environmental problem. However, the CDW can be used to obtain good-quality recycled aggregates (RA), and the coconut husk can be processed into coconut fiber (CF). These materials can be used in the construction of cement bound granular mixtures (CBGM) to be applied as base and sub-base layers of road pavements. Such a large-scale application would bring value to these materials and reduce the extraction of non-renewable natural resources. In this work, the mechanical performance of CBGM with RA and CF reinforcement was evaluated and compared with a conventional CBGM with natural aggregate (NA). The mechanical performance was assessed through the immediate bearing index (IBI), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile strength (ITS), and flexural strength (FLS) tests. The results of the experimental program allow the conclusion that the CBGM with RA present similar performance to the CBGM with NA. Furthermore, the use of CF effectively reinforced the integrity of the CBGM specimens at post-test, indicating potential gains in durability after cracking occurrence. Full article
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34 pages, 7490 KiB  
Article
Practical Application of Nanotechnology Solutions in Pavement Engineering: Construction Practices Successfully Implemented on Roads (Highways to Local Access Roads) Using Marginal Granular Materials Stabilised with New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME)
by Gerrit J. Jordaan and Wynand J. vdM. Steyn
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031332 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6619
Abstract
The introduction of any new disruptive technology in a traditionally well-established industry, such as the road construction industry, is usually associated with considerable resistance. This is especially relevant when the new technology is based on the use of granular materials traditionally considered to [...] Read more.
The introduction of any new disruptive technology in a traditionally well-established industry, such as the road construction industry, is usually associated with considerable resistance. This is especially relevant when the new technology is based on the use of granular materials traditionally considered to be of an unacceptable quality in combination with relatively new concepts such as New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME). In such cases, the fact that the material design methods are based on fundamental scientific principles and have been proven in both laboratories and through Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) may be of little influence. However, the general acceptance of new disruptive technologies, e.g., telecommunications and Information Technologies (IT), have been based on the considerable advantages it presented. The same principles are applicable to the general acceptance and use of the NME stabilisation/enhancement of materials in the road construction industry. This article is aimed at the practical cost-effective demonstration of the general application of the use of nanos-silane-modified emulsions in the construction of the highest order roads, i.e., inter-city multi-lane highways, lower-order roads (including Low-Volume Roads (LVR)), and even local accesses to farms and in villages/townships. The implementation of NME technologies is directly associated with ease of use, time, and cost savings, and with the addressing and reduction of risks applicable to the use thereof. Full article
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25 pages, 4311 KiB  
Article
Engineering Properties of New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsion (NME) Stabilised Naturally Available Granular Road Pavement Materials Explained Using Basic Chemistry
by Gerrit J. Jordaan and Wynand J. vdM. Steyn
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9699; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209699 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3762
Abstract
Nanoscale organofunctional silanes have been developed, tested and successfully applied to protect stone buildings in Europe against climatic effects since the 1860s. The same nanotechnologies can also be used in pavement engineering to create strong chemical bonds between a stabilising agent and granular [...] Read more.
Nanoscale organofunctional silanes have been developed, tested and successfully applied to protect stone buildings in Europe against climatic effects since the 1860s. The same nanotechnologies can also be used in pavement engineering to create strong chemical bonds between a stabilising agent and granular material. The attachment of the organofunctional silane to a material also changes the surface of the material to become hydrophobic, thereby considerably reducing future chemical weathering. These properties allow naturally available materials to be used in any pavement layer at a low risk. In the built environment, scientists soon determined that the successful use of an organo-silane depends on the type and condition of the stone to be treated. The same principles apply to the implementation of applicable nanotechnologies in pavement engineering. Understanding the basic chemistry, determining the properties of the stabilising agent and the organofunctional modifying agent and the chemical interaction with the primary and secondary minerals of the material are essential for the successful application of these technologies in pavement engineering. This paper explains some basic chemistry, which fundamentally influences engineering outputs that can be achieved using New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) stabilising agents with naturally available granular materials in all road pavement layers below the surfacing. Full article
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42 pages, 30371 KiB  
Article
Nanotechnology Incorporation into Road Pavement Design Based on Scientific Principles of Materials Chemistry and Engineering Physics Using New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsion (NME) Stabilisation/Enhancement of Granular Materials
by Gerrit J. Jordaan and Wynand J. vdM Steyn
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8525; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188525 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4949
Abstract
The use of naturally available materials not conforming to traditional specifications or standards in the base and sub-base layers of road pavement structures and stabilised with New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) have been tested, implemented and successfully verified through Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) [...] Read more.
The use of naturally available materials not conforming to traditional specifications or standards in the base and sub-base layers of road pavement structures and stabilised with New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) have been tested, implemented and successfully verified through Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) in South Africa. This was made possible through the development and use of a materials design procedure addressing fundamental principles and based on scientific concepts which are universally applicable. The understanding and incorporation of the chemical interactions between the mineralogy of the materials and an NME stabilising agent (compatibility between the chemistry of the reactive agents and material mineralogy) into the design approach is key to achieving the required engineering properties. The evaluation of the stabilised materials is performed using tests indicative of the basic engineering properties (physics) of compressive strengths, tensile strengths and durability. This article describes the basic materials design approach that was developed to ensure that organofunctional nano-silane modified emulsions can successfully be used for pavement layer construction utilising naturally available materials at a low risk. The enablement of the use of naturally available materials in all pavement layers can have a considerable impact on the unit cost and lifecycle costs of road transportation infrastructure. Full article
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19 pages, 1917 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Ageing on Chemical and Strength Characteristics of Nanoclay-Modified Bitumen and Asphalt Mixture
by Hend Ali Omar, Herda Yati Katman, Munder Bilema, Mohamed Khalifa Ali Ahmed, Abdalrhman Milad and Nur Izzi Md Yusoff
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6709; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156709 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2517
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ageing on bitumen, before and after modification. Nano-clay modified bitumen (NCMB) was produced by adding nano-clay (NC) to 60/70 penetration grade bitumen; then, the binder was tested using conventional tests for properties such as [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ageing on bitumen, before and after modification. Nano-clay modified bitumen (NCMB) was produced by adding nano-clay (NC) to 60/70 penetration grade bitumen; then, the binder was tested using conventional tests for properties such as penetration, softening point and viscosity. These tests were carried out on the modified binder before and after ageing. A rolling thin film oven (RTFO) was used to simulate short-term ageing (STA), and a pressure ageing vessel (PAV) was used to simulate long-term ageing (LTA) for the modified binder. After initial results showed an improvement for the modified bitumen regarding the effect of ageing, the investigation continued using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), where the microstructure distribution of the modified binder before and after ageing was observed. Finally, there was no doubt that the effect of ageing on mixtures should be investigated. For this step, the indirect tensile strength (ITS) test, which highlights the strength changes that occur for the mixtures after ageing, was selected. The results indicated that the tensile strength of mixtures made with modified bitumen showed better resistance against ageing when NC was added, which is in good agreement with the results of previous binder tests. The results of this study show that the modification of bitumen using nano-clay as an additive improves the ageing resistance of the binder, which is consequently reflected in the strength of the asphalt mixture. Full article
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16 pages, 4744 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Performance of Gilsonite Modified Asphalt Mixture Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate
by Daniel Alberto Zuluaga-Astudillo, Hugo Alexander Rondón-Quintana and Carlos Alfonso Zafra-Mejía
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4409; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104409 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2811
Abstract
Hot-mix asphalts exposed to hot weather and high traffic volumes can display rutting distress. A material that can be used to increase the stiffness of asphalt binders is gilsonite. On the other hand, from an environmental point of view, the virgin natural aggregates [...] Read more.
Hot-mix asphalts exposed to hot weather and high traffic volumes can display rutting distress. A material that can be used to increase the stiffness of asphalt binders is gilsonite. On the other hand, from an environmental point of view, the virgin natural aggregates of asphalt mixtures can be replaced with recycled concrete aggregates. For these reasons, this study modified the asphalt binder with gilsonite by wet-process to improve rutting resistance, and replaced (by mass and volume) part of the coarse fraction of the aggregate with recycled concrete aggregate in two hot-mix asphalts with different gradations. Unlike other studies, a larger experimental phase was used here. Marshall, indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, permanent deformation, fatigue resistance, and Cantabro tests were performed. An ANOVA test was carried out. If the replacement of the virgin aggregate by recycled concrete aggregates was made by volume, both materials (gilsonite and recycled concrete aggregate) could be used in hot-mix asphalts for thick-asphalt layers in high temperature climates and any level of traffic. The use of both materials in hot-mix asphalts is not recommended for thin-asphalt layers in low temperatures climates. It is not advisable to replace the aggregates by mass. Full article
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26 pages, 17584 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Cost-Effective Modified Binder Thin Chip and Cape Seal Surfacings on an Anionic Nano-Modified Emulsion (NME)-Stabilised Base Layer Using Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT)
by Gerrit J. Jordaan, Wynand J. vd M. Steyn and Andre Broekman
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2514; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062514 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3745
Abstract
Emulsion stabilisation of base layers surfaced with chip seals often proves problematic, with chips punching into the base and early distress. This can be aggravated by the use of modified binders that restricts the evaporation of moisture from pavement layers. The introduction of [...] Read more.
Emulsion stabilisation of base layers surfaced with chip seals often proves problematic, with chips punching into the base and early distress. This can be aggravated by the use of modified binders that restricts the evaporation of moisture from pavement layers. The introduction of new-age (nano)-modified emulsion (NME) stabilisation has the advantage that water is chemically repelled from the stabilised layer, resulting in an accelerated development of strength. A need was identified to evaluate the early-life performance of selected chip and Cape seals, together with identified modified binders on anionic NME-stabilised base layers constructed with materials traditionally classified as unsuitable, using archaic empirically derived tests. Three different chip seal surfacings with unconventional modified binders were constructed and evaluated using accelerated pavement testing (APT) with the Model Mobile Load Simulator—3rd model (MMLS3). The objectives of the experimental design and testing were to evaluate the binder performance, chip seal performance in terms of early loss of chips before chip orientation, punching of the chips into the anionic NME-stabilised base and deformation characteristics of a Cape seal that was hand-laid using an anionic NME slurry without any cement filler. It was shown that that chip seal surfacings can be used at low risk, on a base layer containing materials with fines exceeding 22%. The selection of specific modified binders can reduce risks associated with chip seal surfacings, which can impact construction limitations. The recommended use of elastomer-modified binders on newly constructed or rehabilitated layers, resulting in moisture entrapment, needs to be reconsidered. Full article
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19 pages, 2854 KiB  
Article
Fundamental Principles Ensuring Successful Implementation of New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) for the Stabilisation of Naturally Available Materials in Pavement Engineering
by Gerrit J. Jordaan and Wynand J. v. d. M. Steyn
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041745 - 16 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4442
Abstract
Good transportation systems are pre-requisites to economic development. Empirically developed, archaic test methods are traditionally used for materials classification used in road construction. This system normally classifies naturally available materials subjected to chemical weathering conditions, as unsuitable for use in the load-bearing road [...] Read more.
Good transportation systems are pre-requisites to economic development. Empirically developed, archaic test methods are traditionally used for materials classification used in road construction. This system normally classifies naturally available materials subjected to chemical weathering conditions, as unsuitable for use in the load-bearing road pavement layers. Consequently, design standards normally require the use of imported materials at considerable costs, severely restricting road network development under scenarios of limited funding. The introduction of applicable nanotechnologies has been shown to enable the use of naturally available materials in all pavement layers at a substantial reduction in costs. The successful roll-out of these nanotechnology solutions depends on a sound, scientifically based approach. Aspects such as toxicity, health and safety, etc. must be addressed in a holistic approach together with material compatibility and fundamental engineering requirements. The successes achieved over the last decade, introducing material compatible New-age Modified Emulsions (NME), are based on fundamental concepts that need to be considered in a holistic test, evaluation and implementation strategy. This paper identifies fundamental concepts related to nanotechnology implementation in the context of road pavement engineering, which needs to be addressed to ensure successful implementation. Ad hoc implementation of new-age technologies without adequate scientific evaluation could prove detrimental. Full article
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16 pages, 15834 KiB  
Article
Effect of Modifiers on the Rutting, Moisture-Induced Damage, and Workability Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures
by Jiandong Huang and Yuantian Sun
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7145; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207145 - 14 Oct 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3092
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the effect of modifiers (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and crumb rubber) on the rutting, moisture-induced damage, and workability properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. In this study, three types—namely, control (CB), crumb rubber-modified (CRMB), and polymer-modified (PMB)—of mixtures/binders were [...] Read more.
The present study aims to examine the effect of modifiers (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and crumb rubber) on the rutting, moisture-induced damage, and workability properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. In this study, three types—namely, control (CB), crumb rubber-modified (CRMB), and polymer-modified (PMB)—of mixtures/binders were evaluated. The rutting properties were evaluated using a wheel tracking device and the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test. The moisture-induced damage properties were evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Strength (modified Lottman) and bitumen bond strength (BBS) tests. The workability properties were evaluated using densification indices (Bahia and locking point method) and a viscosity test. The results indicate that CRMB mixtures were less workable and exhibited a better resistance to rutting than the PMB and CB mixtures. Further, the PMB mixtures had increased resistance to moisture-induced damage, while the effect of the CRMB mixtures was negligible compared to the CB mixtures. Full article
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