Characterization of asphalt bitumens and asphalt concretes modified with carbon powder

Abstract

Nowadays more attention is paid to nanomaterials’ use in pavement engineering, as it is already established that asphalt concretes modified by nanomaterials can provide sound performance in terms of enduring heavy traffic loads and climate change conditions. Thus, in this research by modifying conventional asphalt binders of 2 types (BND 70/100 “ABZ-1” & BND 70/100 “Caspi Bitum”) with carbon nanopowder at a content of 2 % by mass of asphalt cement, standard and non-standard characteristics of carbon nanomodified bitumens and asphalt concretes based on them are determined in the laboratory conditions. Moreover, a comparative analysis of conventional bitumens and conventional asphalt concretes with nano-modified bitumens and nanomodified asphalt concretes is presented in this research study. Comparison analysis includes conduction of Kazakhstani standards tests for bitumens, Bending Beam Rheometer test, Dynamic Shear Rheometer test, Performance Grade test, and also Kazakhstani standard tests for asphalt concretes, Elastic Modulus tests, Tensile Strength tests at a temperature range of − 30 °C to + 20 °C, Fatigue Strength test, Rutting test, Low temperature Cracking test.