Constrained Optimization and Multi temperature Rheological Performance of SBS-Modified Asphalt Binders Incorporating Nano-SiO₂ and Nano-CaCO3

Samah alnuaimi; Alaa  HUSSAIN ABED

doi:10.71229/kaj69r66

Authors

Samah A. Wahab Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq.
Alaa Hussain Abed Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71229/kaj69r66

Keywords:

Asphalt binder;, Styrene-butadiene-styrene; , Nano-silica; , Nano-calciumcarbonate;, Performance grade;, Rheology

Abstract

Hybrid modification provides a potential route for improving the high-temperature performance of asphalt binders while retaining acceptable processing characteristics. This study comparatively evaluated a 40/50 penetration-grade binder from the Al-Doura Refinery, Iraq, modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and either nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO₂) or nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO₃). SBS contents of 3% and 4% were initially screened, after which nano-additive contents of 1-3% by binder mass were incorporated into the selected 3% SBS system. Penetration, softening point, and penetration index were used for preliminary screening, whereas rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), and bending beam rheometry (BBR) were applied to the selected formulations. A constrained selection procedure identified 3% SBS + 2% nano-additive as the most practical formulation for advanced testing. Relative to the neat binder (44 mm, 53 °C, PI = -0.774), the optimized nano-SiO₂ and nano-CaCO₃ binders exhibited penetration values of 32 mm, softening points of 69 and 70 °C, and PI values of 1.588 and 1.749, respectively. Their viscosities at 135 °C were 2.35 and 2.97 Pa·s, remaining below the 3.0 Pa·s specification limit, although the carbonate system had little remaining workability margin. The ternary binders satisfied the unaged and RTFO-aged DSR criteria at 82 °C, corresponding to a high-temperature grade of PG 82, whereas the neat binder graded at PG 64. BBR results supported a low-temperature grade of -10 °C for the modified binders, compared with -16 °C for the neat binder. Accordingly, the principal benefit of the ternary systems was a substantial increase in high-temperature rutting resistance, accompanied by a narrower low-temperature grading range and increased viscosity. Mixture-scale validation and replicate-based statistical analysis are required before field implementation.

Author Biography

Alaa Hussain Abed , Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq.

Prof.Dr.Alaa hussein abed professor

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq

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