Nanotechnology Applied in the Design of the Next Generation of Concrete Pavements Surface

Abstract

Pavement skid resistance or friction plays an important role in transpor-tation safety. Another concern for pavement engineers is traffic noise produced in the interaction of pavement-tire, as it impacts the public health and the local econ-omy. In Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements microtexture influences fric-tion, while macrotexture impacts friction and the overall noise production. In this research, the first approach investigates how friction, noise absorption, and surface durability can be improved by modifying the concrete microtexture through nano-technology. The second approach includes the modification of macrotexture through new surfaces geometries. The objective of this paper is to present the sig-nificant results seen to-date on the impact that nanosilica addition has on the fric-tion of concrete and mortars. Results reveal that the addition of nanosilica can im-prove the friction response. This research was conducted at the Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT) at the University of Waterloo (UW) in partnership with the Cement Association of Canada (CAC).