A Review of Studies on Asphalt Fine Aggregate Matrix

Abstract

Asphalt fine aggregate matrix (FAM) consists of a binder, fine aggregate, filler, and air voids. Studies on FAM, which is one scale smaller than asphalt concrete (AC), have been gaining attention among researchers because of its considerable similarities with AC and increased testing efficiency it provides. FAM tests are mostly performed to evaluate relative material performance in case of damage. This review presents recent studies regarding mix design, fabrication methods, material incorporation, and experimental design to evaluate the performance of FAM mixtures. This study also summarizes the recent research findings on using micromechanical computational modeling and the correlation between the FAM and AC properties. It is the general consensus that microstructure of the FAM has a substantial effect on the mechanical properties and evolution of damage in AC. The main issue in the available literature is the detailed understanding of how FAM exists in the AC and how to replicate this for experimental purposes. This lack of understanding makes it to view the literature as disorganized information because each researcher employs his own method to study FAM materials. Therefore, there is a need to establish comprehensive fabrication and testing protocols as a specification to precisely resemble the FAM that exists within AC and hence accurately predict the performance characteristics of AC.