Application of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials as a Reinforcement to Concrete Pavements

Nanomaterials are considered to be one of the game-changing features in the modern world and nanotechnology is mostly reputed as the next-generation industrial revolution due to the extraordinary characteristics possessed by them at their very small scale. Graphene and graphene oxide are two main nanoscale materials that have seen a drastic increase in their use in cement-based composites due to exemptional enhancements in terms of strength and durability that can be imparted to compromise the inherent flaws of concrete and other cementitious composites. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of graphene and graphene oxide on improving the performance of cement-based composites and, particularly, of continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP), which is one of the emerging trends in the transport sector due to various advantages they bring in over conventional flexible pavements and unreinforced concrete pavements. Fresh, hardened and durability properties of concrete with graphene-based nanomaterials were studied and the past experimental data were used to predict statistical interferences between different parameters attributed to concrete. According to the review, graphene-based nanomaterials seem to be promising to overcome the various CRCP distresses. Simultaneously, the possibilities and hinderances of using graphene and graphene oxide in cement-based composites as a reinforcement are discussed. Finally, the potential of using graphene in continuously reinforced concrete pavements is explored.