ENHANCING THE PERFORMANCE OF WARM ASPHALT MIXES USING NANO-KAOLINITE

Abstract

Nanoparticles are now utilised in a wide range of applications due to their unique chemical and physical intrinsic qualities, such as high specific area, structure, and reactivity; as a result, They play a vital role in the enhancement of asphalt mixture properties. Furthermore, technologies like warm-mix asphalt (WMA) might have a number of economic and environmental advantages. The influence of various Nano-Kaolinite contents on the mechanical performance of warm mix asphalt was investigated in this study (WMA). Because Nano-Kaolinite is common, inexpensive, and simple to obtain and convert to nano size, it was employed as an additive. Based on the weight of bitumen, the mechanical and durability performance of WMA mixes incorporating Nano-Kaolinite was investigated at different Nano-Kaolinite percentages of 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8%. The WMA was created using Evotherm TM as a bitumen additive. Mechanical tests were performed, which included Marshall stability, Marshall flow, indirect tensile strength, and compressive strength. Crushed gravel, rough aggregate particles, and a medium gradation of aggregate were employed in the control mix in this investigation. The results showed that rising Nano-Kaolinite content increased mixture capabilities, increasing Nano-Kaolinite content decreased Marshall flow. Over all, Nano-Kaolinite content had a substantial impact on asphalt and mixture performance, and appeared to exacerbate the effect of warm asphalt. In addition, indirect tensile strength, the Marshall stability, and compressive strength were all raised by 30 %, 50 %, and 68 %, respectively, according to the findings. At the optimum additive percent, Marshall flow reduced by 9%. Rutting depth is also reduced when Nano-Kaolinite is added at any cycle number. Nanomaterials can enhance the effectiveness of warm mix asphalt by increasing compatibility and bonding between asphalt particles, resulting in increased economical and environmental benefits as well as more sustainable and long-lasting pavement solutions. The results showed that as the amount of Nano Clay was increased, the robust modulus increased. At all test temperatures, the Nano Clay modified mixture has a higher value than the unmodified mixture, according to the data. An Indirect Tensile test with diametric compressive loading was also used to conduct a Fatigue test. The purpose of this experiment was to see how Nano Clay affected Fatigue Life. Only 7% Nano Clay was utilised in this experiment. The resistance tests were carried out at temperatures of 5°C and 25°C. The results showed that unmodified mixtures performed better under fatigue at low temperatures than the Nano Clay