Developing High-Performance Asphalt Concrete Mixes through Bio-Graphene Nanoplatelets Modification

High performing asphalt pavements are vital to the continual operation of North America’s transportation network. Asphalt, which is a mixture of asphalt cement, aggregates, and fillers, is paved at high temperatures and compacted to provide a smooth, waterproof, and safe wearing coarse for vehicles. Over the 15-to-20-year lifespan of the pavement, the asphalt surface can be damaged by heavy traffic loading and changing environmental conditions often presenting itself in the form of cracking and rutting. Traditionally, asphalt pavement materials are modified with different polymers and additives to reduce potential damage from these increasingly harsh conditions. This project aims to develop eco-friendly, low-cost graphene asphalt modifiers as an alternative to conventional modifiers. The research will quantify the performance improvements of an innovative graphene modifier for flexible pavements in Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hassan Baaj;Pejoohan Tavassoti-Kheiry

Student:

Partner:

Bio Graphene Solutions;Green Infrastructure Partners Incorporated

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: