Theoretical and experimental researches of operating properties of bitumen reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Abstract The current level of economic development requires numerous road transport, which is constantly increasing, as a result, the roadbed is destroyed quite quickly. To maintain the durability of the road surface, various modifications are used to improve the physical properties. During the research, theoretical calculations and experimental confirmation of changes in the properties of bitumen when adding carbon nanotubes were carried out. Three concentrations of carbon nanotubes were tested: 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001% in the bituminous mixture, as well as a reference sample without adding carbon nanotubes to compare changes in indicators. Based on the research carried out in the course of this work, it can be argued that the proposed method of strengthening the asphalt concrete coating by reinforcing the main component of the coating (bitumen) improves its physical and mechanical properties and, accordingly, increases the service life of the roadbed.