Fatigue Evaluation of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Mixtures Modified by Optimum Percent of TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticles

Abstract

Fatigue, creep and erosion are among the factors which destroy the asphalt mixture and modifying the asphalt binder via additives such as crumb rubber, sulfur, carbon, as well as natural and synthetic polymers has been done in order to improve the strength of asphalt mixture. Knowledge in the field of nanotechnology along with its capability and attractiveness for application as nanoparticles in different industries such as asphalt industry has attracted great attention in recent years. In this study, specific percentages of TiO2nanoparticles, namely 2, 4, and 6, were added to the asphalt binder as the nanocomponent. Done physical common tests such as penetration degree, softening point, flash point and viscosity of the base asphalt binder and modified asphalt binder, the bending beam samples composed of origin asphalt sample and modified asphalt sample with 4% TiO2nanoparticle were subjected in different micro strains to fatigue loads. Results of four point bending fatigue test showed that the addition of TiO2nanoparticles to the asphalt binder increased the fatigue strength in the asphalt samples. Modified asphalt binder is stiffer, more viscous than original asphalt binder and due to TiO2nanoparticles more temperature tolerance and load bearing capacity, modified Asphalt is more resistant under fatigue loads.