Identification of microstructural characteristics in semi-flexible pavement material using micromechanics and nano-techniques

Abstract

Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) has been promoted to apply in pavement engineering mainly for its excellent performance in rutting resistance. However, due to the material characteristics of three-phase heterogeneous phase and the structural characteristics of dense skeleton interlocking structure, the microstructure of semi-flexible pavement material is complicated, greatly influencing the mechanical properties of the material. This research aims to identify the two characteristics of SFP employing micromechanical models as well as nano-techniques, including nanoindentation (NI), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum analysis (EDS). Two interlocking factors were introduced in the three-phase micromechanical model to characterize the interlocking effect. Identification of the asphalt mastic phase in SFP was implemented as the basis of stiffening correction in the micromechanical model. Because four different layers were found in the asphalt phase of SFP that was difficult to simulate, a general stiffening correction was used in the improved micromechanical model. The final model considering the interlocking and asphalt stiffening effects can characterize the property of SFP well. It was found that grouting cement has an enhancement function on the viscoelastic interlocking effect while does little on the elastic interlocking effect. Meanwhile, more grouting cement will lead to more asphalt-cement stiffening effect. An equivalent dynamic modulus of the asphalt phase-phase from the micromechanical model was proposed in the end, which has been proven corresponding to the experimental results of NI test.