Nanoconcrete for Rigid Pavements: Abrasion Response and Impact on Friction. Issue 1 (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gonzalez, Marcelo; de Oliveira Lima, Arthur; Tighe, Susan L.
• Is Part Of: Transportation research record. Volume 2441:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Transportation -- Periodicals; Roads; Transport -- Périodiques; Routes -- Périodiques; Routes -- Conception et construction -- Périodiques; Roads; Transportation; 388.05
• DOI: 10.3141/2441-05
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-1981

Abstract

Abrasion resistance in concrete is related to the ability of the surface to resist being worn away by rubbing and friction. High-quality concrete is recognized as enhancing both abrasion and macrotexture durability under traffic loading. Pavement friction is the result of two primary frictional force components: adhesion and hysteresis. Adhesion is dependent on the microtexture of the surface, while hysteresis depends on its macrotexture; both microtexture and macrotexture significantly affect friction. Macrotexture is also significant in preventing hydroplaning because of its effect on the surface drainage of pavements. Improving the texture durability of concrete may provide important benefits in delivering long-term friction performance. A microtexture modification with nanotechnology improves the friction response in rigid pavements and enhances the durability of concrete materials by how it affects the deterioration mechanism at the molecular level. Nanomaterials can improve the calcium silicate hydrate component in hardened concrete; this action is crucial to enhancing the strength and durability of the cement paste. Therefore, applications using nanotechnology in concrete materials are receiving increased attention. This paper presents the results of a study in which several concrete samples were produced with different proportions of nanosilica. The results show that nanosilica enhances the compressive strength and abrasion resistance in concrete materials. Because of the relationship between abrasion response and macro texture, it can be concluded that nanomaterials increase macrotexture durability and therefore improve the safety of concrete pavements in wet conditions.