Evaluation of properties and fatigue life estimation of asphalt mixture modified by organophilic nanoclay

This paper presents the results for the influence of an organophilic nanoclay on the properties of an asphalt mixture. The main mechanical and rheological properties of a nanomodified mixture were evaluated, including moisture-induced damage, resistance to permanent deformation, complex modulus and fatigue resistance. The results obtained show gains in the properties of the asphalt mixture modified by nanoclay. The beneficial effect of the nanoclay was also verified in the numerical simulation of a pavement structure, since the lifespan of the nanomodified asphalt surface increased with regard to the fatigue fracture, when compared to a conventional asphalt surface. The main conclusion of this study is that the addition of an organophilic nanoclay to an asphalt mixture can improve its resistance in relation to the main mechanisms involved in the deterioration of pavements.