Compactability and Mechanical Properties of LNA-Modified Asphalt Concrete

Effective compaction is essential for achieving the desired density and better mechanical behavior of asphalt paving mixtures. The higher the mixture compactability, the lesser is the compaction effort required to attain the desired density. Addition of nanomaterial to asphalt binder improves the adhesion of binder to aggregate, compactability, resistance to moisture susceptibility, and permanent deformation. This paper investigates the effects of liquid nanoadditive (LNA) on the asphalt binder properties, compactability, and mechanical properties of asphalt concrete through laboratory investigations. Compactability, which describes the ease with which asphalt mixture can be compacted, is examined through volumetric properties. Binder viscosity is found to decrease with the increase of LNA content at a given temperature. Addition of LNA provided better binder-aggregate adhesion, improved compactability of the mixture, and increased moisture resistance and resilient modulus.