LAUSR

The paving-heavy crude oils (PHCO) are natural cut-back asphalts that can be used for unconventional paving solutions for low- and medium-traffic roads given their lower cost in comparison with conventional asphalt binders (i.e., produced through industrial oil refining). Despite their potential, the characterization and use of PHCO for road paving is still limited. This study focuses on assessing the adhesion quality and rheological properties of both unmodified and nano-modified asphalt residues (AR) obtained from two sources of PHOC. The results suggest that the AR offer smaller stiffness and develop asphalt-aggregate interfaces with lower adhesion quality as compared to those generated by the control conventional asphalt. In general, the nano-modifier addition led to lower stiffness values for the AR, and although it improved the adhesion in dry condition, the susceptibility to moisture damage at the asphalt-aggregate interfaces was not reduced. Future research is suggested to validate these findings by assessing asphalt mixtures.