Laboratory evaluation of resistance to moisture damage in carbon nanotubes modified hot mix asphalt mixtures

One of the primary issues that determines how long asphalt pavements last is moisture damage. Water causing both the cohesive and adhesive bonds between the aggregate and the binder to disintegrate in hot mix asphalt (HMA) combinations is known as moisture damage. In order to decrease the bitumen’s surface tension and increase wetting, asphalt binder modification is required. In the current work, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were added to conventional binder at weights of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 1.5% to alter it. The asphalt mixtures were built using this altered binder. Using the indirect tensile (IDT) test, the effects of CNT-modified HMA mixes were first evaluated in order to evaluate the asphalt mixtures’ resistance to cracking. It was discovered that the HMA mixtures treated with CNT can greatly increase the cracking resistance. Additionally, the Marshall Stability Ratio (MSR) and Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) were used to assess the moisture damage resistance of the CNT-modified HMA mixes. The study’s findings indicate that at greater carbon nanotube percentages, asphalt mixes’ resistance to moisture damage can be considerably enhanced by CNT-modified HMA mixtures.