Laboratory Investigation of Permanent Deformation of Modified Asphalt Mixes Using Nanocellulose

Permanent deformation, or rutting, is one of the major distresses associated with flexible pavements. The tendency to use low-performance grade (or softer) asphalt binders to prevent thermal cracking results in severe rutting during the summer (or high temperature) months. Asphalt modification has been identified as one of the methods to improve pavement performance in these temperature extremities. However, prevailing techniques—polymer modification—have resulted in significant cost increase, operational difficulties, incompatibility with the asphalt binder, and poor aging resistance. This research introduces nanotechnology (nanocellulose) as one promising possibility to modify the asphalt binder, or mix, and improve asphalt pavement performance at high pavement service temperatures. Consistent with the Superior Performing Asphalt Pavement (SuperPave) asphalt mixture design and analysis system, the rheology of the modified asphalt binder, as well as the mechanical properties of the modified asphalt mix, were evaluated and the results show that the mechanical properties, including resistance to rutting and moisture susceptibility, can be improved when compared with the unmodified asphalt binder, or mix, at a reduced cost.