Effect of organophilic nanoclay modified binder on high temperature performance of asphalt mixture

Organophilic nanoclay is a mixture of organic and in-organic matter, mainly clay and organic molecules, which was made to enhance the physical and chemical properties of different material used in across multiple fields of technologies including engineering. In this study, multiple percentages of organophilic nanoclay ranging from 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5% to 5.0% were used across two performance grade (PG) bitumen, i-e: N.R.L 60-70 & N.R.L 80-100. The addition of organophilic nanoclay in asphalt binder, bitumen, greatly reduced the effects of rutting at high temperatures when the specimens were subjected to cyclic loading. A total of ten modified binder specimens were prepared and in addition to these, another two bitumen specimens of virgin bitumen were prepared and subjected to cyclic loading using Wheel Tracker Test (WTT) for comparative analysis. After completion of the tests, the results were thoroughly analyzed, and remarkably it was found that organophilic nanoclay modified bitumen had a very pleasing result on rutting in asphaltic concrete layer. The results showed that rutting decreased and was reduced across all the samples of nanoclay modified bitumen, and in some cases, rutting as reduced to as low as 69.23% compared to the original virgin bitumen with the same PG bitumen. This article reflects on advancements in use of modifiers in engineering and is based upon previously updated and new research study.