The Use of Nanomaterial in Asphalt Concrete Pavement Construction

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the science concerned with the design, construction and utilization of functional structures with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers. Nanotechnology is a recently developed, major enabling tool, already well-established in several sectors of applied science, technology and engineering. Development of nanotechnology has led to advanced characterization, prediction and control of properties of materials at submicron level. Compared with other major industrial sectors, construction industry has lagged behind in awareness of the potential for exploitation of nanotechnology. Both the awareness and actual exploitation in construction are now increasing, however, progress is uneven, especially in the current early stages of its practical exploitation Pavements of highways and airports are constructed with asphalt mix or concrete. Today, metal fibers, glass, poly-propylene, carbon and polymeric composites in asphalt are used for arming purposes and improvement of pavement performance. The use of nanomaterials to improve the environmental aspects in pavement construction is well known. This paper discusses the application of nanomaterails in improving asphalt concrete pavements. The focus is on the potential effects that the technology may have on aspects such as environment protection, economics, durability and sustainability of the pavements construction.