Nanomaterials in Road Pavement Construction

The growing demand for durable, high-performance, and sustainable road pavements has driven the exploration of advanced materials to enhance the mechanical properties and longevity of asphalt mixtures. This review investigates the potential benefits of incorporating nanomaterials, particularly nano silica and nano clay, as additives in modified asphalt mixtures. These nano-materials, with their high surface area and unique nanoscale properties, offer significant promise in improving the stability, strength, and durability of pavements. The paper evaluates the in-fluence of nano silica and nano clay on critical performance indicators of asphalt pavements, in-cluding Marshall stability, Marshall flow, penetration, and softening point. These properties are essential for assessing structural integrity and resistance to deformation under varying traffic loads and environmental conditions. Through an in-depth analysis of previous studies, the re-view highlights how nanomaterials interact with asphalt binders and aggregates to enhance overall pavement performance. Findings reveal that the addition of nano silica and nano clay substantially improves pavement’s engineering properties. Nano silica demonstrates superior contributions to flexibility and durability, while nano clay enhances stiffness and load-bearing capacity. While the production of nanomaterials incurs higher initial energy costs, the extended lifespan and reduced maintenance of nano-modified pavements offset these impacts, supporting their use as a sustainable option for infrastructure development. The findings underscore the transformative potential of nano silica and nano clay in revolutionizing pavement engineering through enhanced performance and sustainability. Future research should focus on field applications, optimal dosages, and synergistic combinations of nanomaterials for diverse pavement conditions.