Effect of Nanoclay Modification on Fatigue and Permanent Deformation of Bituminous Binder

The main objective of this study is to conduct a comparative test program on unmodified and modified bitumen containing nanoclay, and assessing the effects of asphalt properties on performance of the pavement. In order to meet this objective, the main targets of this study are: finding out if the nanoclays alter the critical properties of bituminous binders and influence the ageing and rheology of the bituminous binders. The first task performed was studying the nanoclay modifiersat nanoscopic level and the test performed in this area is x-ray analysis of the nanoclay modifiers. The second task is studying the influence of nanoclay modifiers on bituminous binder characteristics. The tests performed related to this target are rheological studies of fresh (non aged) and aged bitumen types by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Findings of the tests performed on bituminous binders proved that the cloisite-15A nanoclay modifications help to increase the stiffness and also improve the rutting resistance of the standard bituminous binder. This is especially true if the %4 cloisite modification is used. The nanofil-15 modification helps to improve the ageing resistance of the bituminous binder in the short and long terms. However, the nanoclay modifications were observed to negatively influence the fatigue resistance performance of asphalt bituminous binders, especially at low temperature values.