Abstract
Nitric acid has been found to be an effective additive for bitumen modification to enhance its performance and make it more appropriate for road construction purposes. This paper aims to provide an overview of the effects of nitric acid on bitumen properties, its application in road construction, and the benefits it offers. The paper explores the various methods of modifying bitumen with nitric acid, such as pre-treatment of bitumen, addition during mixing, and surface treatment of aggregates. The effects of nitric acid on the properties of bitumen, such as viscosity and stability, are discussed. Nitric acid improves the adhesion of the bitumen to the aggregates, enhancing the mixture of asphalt and aggregates, leading to improved stability and durability of the road surface. The paper also highlights the potential benefits of using nitric acid in road construction with bitumen. These benefits include improved resistance to moisture and temperature variations, reduced deformation under heavy loads, increased rutting resistance, and longevity of the bitumen pavement. The use of nitric acid with bitumen also facilitates the use of recycled bitumen products, which is more environmentally sustainable.