This study aims to investigate the impact of control and warm mix binders modified with Nano-Silica on the asphalt binder functioning to resist rutting endurance and low-temperature cracking. According to asphalt binder weight, the percentages of Nano-Silica employed in this research were 2%, 4%, and 6%. The control and modified binders were evaluated by performing conventional and rheological tests. The rheological properties were examined by master curves, isochronal plots, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), Superpave rutting parameter, and bending beam rheometer. The outcomes implied that the performance of the asphalt binder (with or without ZycoTherm) improved when Nano-Silica was added concerning (G*/sin δ) parameter. The MSCR test demonstrated that the recovery (R %) of the control and warm mix binders improved whereas the non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) dropped, implying that Nano-Silica boosted the rutting potential. Moreover, it was observed at different temperatures that the values for the complex shear modulus raised when the phase angle values were reduced. Furthermore, at low temperatures, it is presumed that the performance of Nano-Silica modified asphalt binders will have minimal performance as opposed to the binders prepared with ZycoTherm, which prevents low-temperature cracking.

The impact of base and zycotherm binders modified with various proportions of nanosilica (i.e., 2 %, 4 %, and 6 %) based on the weight of the binder at high-temperature performance was investigated. Brookfield viscosity, penetration, softening point, and storage stability tests were all conducted on base and modified binders. Moreover, the Superpave rutting parameter (G*/sin δ) and Multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) were utilized to assess the resistance of binders to rutting. By observing the outcomes of the modified binder tests, the incorporation of nanosilica into the base and zycotherm binders improved temperature susceptibility. Binders modified with nanosilica showed remarkable storage stability at elevated temperatures, as the variation in softening point between the upper and bottom parts was less than 2.5 °C for all binders. Based on the outcomes of the Superpave rutting parameter, the inclusion of nanosilica enhanced the stiffness of the modified binders up to 130 % for 6 % of nanosilica, while the improvement was caused by 6 % of nanosilica with zycotherm was nearly 92 % at 70 °C. The MSCR test revealed that the base and zycotherm binders' recovery (R%) was 27.72 % and 25.99 % for 6 % of nanosilica and 6 % nanosilica with zycotherm, respectively, while the nonrecoverable creep compliance (Jnr) decreased by 56.87 % for 6 % of nanosilica, and 43.23 % for 6 % nanosilica with zycotherm at 100 MPa. The results show that the incorporation of nanosilica is capable of improving the rutting potential regardless of the levels of stress. The rheological characteristics of modified base and zycotherm binders were improved at all concentrations of nanosilica, with the optimal concentration being 6% nanosilica.