Research on Fatigue Resistance Performance of Nano-Rubber Powder Modified Asphalt

Abstract

Asphalt pavement has been used in road construction and many other applications for a long time. Because of the heavy loading and busy traffic, pavement distresses such as stripping, raveling, cracking, and moisture damage often occur during its serving life. The possibility of using nano-rubber as a modifier for asphalt was investigated in this research. Fatigue test according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T321-03 standard was conducted. Fatigue resistance performance of the original asphalt concrete and modified asphalt concrete was investigated by means of a four-point bending test with the phenomenological fatigue methodology at two temperatures. The results showed that rubber modified asphalt concretes have good basic physical performance. Also, the flexural stiffness modulus of modified asphalt-based composites had less influence on strain at 5°C, but at 15°C, the effect was obvious. The fatigue performance of nano-rubber modified asphalt-based composite was better than that of base asphalt and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) -modified asphalt. Strain (e) of nano-rubber modified asphalt concrete was smaller, and its fatigue performance was better. Comparing the toughening effect of other ordinary modification powders, a little amount of nano-rubber powder could increase the toughness of modified asphalt concrete greatly and keep them in high tension and heat resistance. Nano-rubber powder modified asphalt has the advantage of aging-resistance, which could improve the service life of the modified asphalt and reduce the maintenance cost of pavement.