Influence of Modification with Nano-size Additives on the Rheological Behavior of Asphalt Cement

Abstract: Asphalt binder usually practices ageing throughout its service life due to the environment and loss of its required flexibility. The service life will decline, and many types of distresses will appear. Implication of Nano-size additives for modification of the asphalt cement binder can enhance the required quality of the binder and extend its service life with minimal requirements for maintenance. In the present investigation, two types of asphalt binder with penetration grade (40-50 and 60-70) were digested with Nano size additive (Fumed silica and silica fumes). The treated binders were subjected to the physical and rheological properties determination. It was observed that for (40-50) and (60-70) binders, the penetration viscosity number declines by (0.3, and 1.4,) % and (1.2, and 2.1) % for (fumed silica, and silica fumes) treated binder respectively. For (40-50) and (60-70) asphalt binders, the viscosity increases by (33.4, and 54.4) % and (135.5, and 112) % for (fumed silica, and silica fumes) treated binder respectively. For (40-50) and (60-70) binders, the creep stiffness increases by (25, and 35) % and (12.5, and 18.7) % when fumed silica, and silica fumes were implemented respectively. It can be stated that implementation of Nano-size additives exhibits lower temperature susceptibility which is required to extend its service life.