Evaluating the Effect of Curing Time and Resting Time on Moisture Damage Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures Using the Pull-Off Tensile Strength (POTS) Test

Abstract

This article explores the effectiveness of the Pull-off Tensile Strength (POTS) test as a tool for evaluating the moisture damage resistance of asphalt mixtures. Currently, indirect tensile strength (ITS) and the Hamburg Wheel Tracking (HWT) test are used, but they have limitations such as expensive equipment and being heavy. The POTS test is a low-cost and portable alternative. This study investigated the effect of curing time and resting time on the POTS of asphalt-aggregate systems by subjecting samples to different curing times and resting times before testing their tensile strength under dry and wet conditions. The results show that the tensile strength decreases with increasing curing time or exposure to water, indicating that the debonding process between asphalt and aggregates occurs more rapidly with aging. The tensile strength ratio (TSR) of the POTS test for all three asphalt binder types increases with resting time and curing time, with the highest values observed at a curing time of 2 h and a resting time of 5–15 min. Additionally, this study found a strong linear relationship between the tensile strength ratios of ITS and POTS tests, regardless of curing time and resting time. Overall, the POTS test is a promising alternative for evaluating moisture damage resistance in asphalt mixtures.