Experimental evaluation of the influence of reinforcement with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the properties and fatigue life of hot mix asphalt

Abstract This paper reports the influence of reinforcement with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the asphalt binder and, consequently, on the asphalt mixture. Two nanocomposites (asphalt binder + MWCNTs) were developed: one with 1% of MWCNTs and the other with 2% of MWCNTs, in relation to the conventional asphalt binder (w/w). The nanocomposites were evaluated with regard to their empirical and rheological properties and the sample with the best performance was selected for the production of the asphalt mixture. Two asphalt mixtures were produced: one with the conventional asphalt binder and the other with the selected nanocomposite. The asphalt mixtures were evaluated considering the main deterioration mechanisms of asphalt pavements: moisture-induced damage, permanent deformation and fatigue resistance. After the experimental stage, the results obtained were applied in the numerical simulation of a pavement structure. In general, it can be concluded that the addition of 2% MWCNTs to the asphalt binder and, consequently, to the asphalt mixture, is an appropriate approach to increasing the material resistance against the main defects that damage asphalt coatings, i.e., permanent deformation and fatigue failure, in tropical countries where temperatures below 0 °C do not occur.