Introduction of a simple method for prediction of the rutting resistance factor of nanoclay-modified bitumen

ABSTRACT

This research proposes an experimental approach which can be used to determine the rutting performance named ‘G*/Sinδ’; for original and nanoclay-modified bitumen binder. The experimental approach was conducted using 44 unique nanoclay-modified bitumen samples in which nanoclay was varied at 1% intervals between 3 and 7%. Using experimental data, a simple method for estimation of rutting performance of nanoclay-modified bitumen over a range of temperatures and nanoclay content was proposed. Addition of nanoclay led to modified bitumen which was stiffer compared to non-modified bitumen; as a result, the yielding temperature of bitumen increased. In this paper, a simple methodology was also proposed in terms of nanoclay content. The nanoclay coefficient was identified as a significant parameter to estimate G*/Sinδ with the addition of nanoclay. So, the nanoclay coefficient has the highest effect on rutting susceptibility and G*/Sinδ value of the modified bitumen. Also, the results show that the effect of Cloisite-15A has more efficiently improved rutting resistant compared to Nanofill-15.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanoclay
• modified bitumen
• rutting resistance factor
• simple method