Synergistic Analysis of the Effects of Bitucell and Nanosilica on the Low-Temperature Fracture Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures Based on the ENDB Test

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahmoud Reza Keymanesh 1
Mohsen Sadeqian 2
1 Civil Engineering Facylty, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Ph.D. Student, Civil Engineering Facylty, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/road.2026.584502.2500
Abstract
Low-temperature cracking is one of the most critical pavement distresses affecting the durability of asphalt mixtures in cold regions. In this study, the individual and synergistic effects of Bitucell (as a sulfur-based additive) and nanosilica on the fracture resistance of asphalt mixtures were evaluated using the Edge Notched Disc Bend (ENDB) test under Mode I, Mode II, and Mode III loading conditions. Four types of mixtures, including the control mixture, Bitucell-modified mixture, nanosilica-modified mixture, and the Bitucell–nanosilica composite mixture, were tested at temperatures of −5, −10, and −15°C and loading rates of 0.5, 1, and 5 mm/min. In total, 324 ENDB specimens were prepared and tested in triplicate.The results showed that the composite mixture exhibited the highest fracture resistance compared with mixtures containing each additive individually. Specifically, its stress intensity factors increased in all Modes I, II, and III relative to both the control mixture and the mixtures modified with a single additive. The minimum increase was observed in the shear mode, whereas the maximum improvement was obtained under the tearing mode. A decrease in temperature and an increase in loading rate led to a reduction in the fracture toughness (KC)(K_C)(KC) values; however, the composite mixture showed the lowest sensitivity to these conditions. Overall, the findings confirm that the simultaneous use of Bitucell and nanosilica can effectively enhance the low-temperature fracture resistance and reduce the brittleness of asphalt mixtures
Keywords
ENDB
Bitucell
Nanosilica
Stress Intensity Factor
Fracture Toughness
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