Improving the permanent deformation resistance of asphalt pavements is a vital challenge. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising additives due to their ability to enhance the binder stiffness and elasticity. This study evaluated the influence of five nanomaterials, namely Nano-Silica (NS), Nano-Alumina (NA), Nano-Zinc (NZ), Nano-Titanium (NT), and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) incorporated into a base asphalt binder at varying dosages, with up to 10% for NS, NA, and NT, and up to 5% for NZ and CNT. Fifteen modified binders were assessed using the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test to obtain non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), while the corresponding hot mix asphalt samples underwent repeated load testing and rut depth prediction using the VESYS 5 W model. The results showed that most nanomaterials improved the high-temperature binder properties with a reduced rutting potential. Strong correlations were observed between Jnr and the mixture performance for NS and NZ, whereas NA and CNTs enhanced the mixture stiffness and deformation resistance beyond what was indicated by Jnr alone. NT showed minimal correlation between the binder and mixture performance. While Jnr is a valuable parameter for rutting prediction, it may not always accurately reflect the nano-modified mixture performance, particularly when using higher modification dosages. Therefore, combining the binder with mixture tests provides a reliable performance prediction and optimal nanomaterial selection.
