Effect of Polymer Additive on Nano Materials Modified Asphalt Mixtures

Recently, by the increase of traffic volumes and tonnages, modern axle arrangements and more wheel compressions, the needs to the highway asphaltic pavements have increased, requiring an improvement in the performance of asphaltic materials. With a view to enhance the performance of asphalt mixture, the pure asphalt binder requires to be modified with appropriate modifiers. In recent years, pavement technologies and investigators have put their attentions on nanotechnology. In this research, Nano Clay particles (NC) as well as Nano Silica particles (NS) and one polymer additive (Styrene- Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) were utilized with asphalt binder. The addition ratios of nano materials were (1%, 2% and 3%) mixed with 5% SBS by weight of the asphalt binder. Marshall test and wheel tracking test were used to estimate the influence of nano particles and SBS on hot mix asphalt (HMA) performance. The results illustrated that nano materials and SBS improved the stability, flow and Marshall quotient that indicated to the rutting or plastic deformation resistance of modified asphaltic mixtures.