Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Advanced Self-Healing Asphalt Reinforced by Graphene Structures: An Atomistic Insight
Published on: May 31, 2022
The Role of Nanotechnology in Subgrade and Pavement Engineering: A Review
Ling Zeng1, Liuyi Xiao1, Junhui Zhang2
1School of Civil Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
Abstract:
Nanotechnology is an extension of sciences and technologies that deal with particles less than 100 nm. This paper reviews previous studies on how nanomaterials work and what their advantages are in subgrade and pavement engineering. In subgrade engineering, the nanomaterials particles can not only improve the physicochemical and mechanical properties of subgrade soils by filling the voids between soil particles but also promote hydration reaction between cement and ion exchange between soil particles. In pavement engineering, the water stability, rutting resistance, fatigue resistance and optical properties of flexible pavements are enhanced by adding nanomaterials into the asphalt mixture. Nanosilica enhances the interface between cement pastes and aggregates and promotes the pozzolanic reaction of concrete, thus, mechanical properties of concrete pavements are improved. Compared with traditional materials, nanomaterials play a promising role in subgrade and pavement engineering, benefitting from their environmental friendliness, lower environmental disturbance, better price/performance ratio and higher durability.
Related Concept Videos
Design Example: Joints in Concrete Pavements
Contraction joints are typically formed by sawing a groove into the concrete shortly after it has hardened. This creates a weakened vertical plane, deliberately encouraging cracking at...
Masonry Paving
Microcracking in Concrete
Design Example: Managing Concrete Workability
Preplaced Aggregate Concrete
Design Example: Aggregate Gradation
The grading, or particle-size distribution, of sand is determined using sieve analysis, with standard sizes ranging from 150 μm to 10 mm (ASTM No. 100 sieve to 3⁄8 in. sieve). Sand is...

