Strength and Durability Assessment of Composite Road Pavements with Nano-Enhanced and Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concretes

Due to Iran’s abundant oil resources, asphalt concrete pavements have traditionally been favored in road construction, as well as sidelining alternatives like Portland cement concrete, which is widely used globally. However, with increasing demands on transportation infrastructure and the limitations of traditional materials, there was a growing need for innovative solutions. This study aimed to explore the potential of advanced materials for road pavement construction, specifically focusing on nano-enhanced Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) as an alternative to conventional materials. The primary objective was to evaluate and compare the mechanical and durability properties of composite road pavements constructed with nano-enhanced FRC and polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete. The research involved testing the compressive strength, flexural strength, crack resistance, and performance under acidic conditions of concrete samples containing varying percentages of polypropylene fibers (12 mm and 18 mm) and Nano-silica (ranging from 0.3% to 2.5% by weight of cement). The results revealed that while polypropylene fibers reduced compressive strength by 10% and 11% (for 12 mm and 18 mm fibers, respectively), they enhanced crack resistance and cohesion. On the other hand, nano-silica improved compressive strength by up to 7.3% at 1.5% by weight of cement, providing a more durable alternative for road pavements. The combination of polypropylene fibers and Nano-silica was recommended for optimal performance, offering a balanced enhancement of strength, flexibility, and durability.