Microstructure and mechanical behavior of asphalt mixture based on freeze-thaw cycle

Abstract

PurposeIn order to unravel the evolution of microstructure characteristics and the change of mechanical properties of bituminous mixture in the freezing and thawing environment in cold region, this study starts from macroscopic experiments and analyzes the changes in mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures before and after freezing and thawing in detail. On this basis, the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture under the action of external forces (before and after freezing and thawing) is simulated through the combination macroscopic and microscopic methods.Design/methodology/approachThe climate in China exhibits high complexity and diversity, divided into five zones based on the temperature difference from south to north. Considering that the significant effect of geography and natural climate on the design, construction and maintenance of asphalt pavement, the criterion for the road construction at different areas should be highly different.FindingsThe results show that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture greatly decrease due to the influence of freeze-thaw, and the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture (several representative particle sizes were selected through experiments) is obviously observed because of the action of external force. By analyzing the variation of several key particle sizes after freezing-thawing cycle, the gradation standard of asphalt mixture aggregate suitable for cold area was obtained. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for the design and application of asphalt mixture in cold area.Originality/valueThe results show that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture greatly decrease due to the influence of freeze-thaw, and the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture (several representative particle sizes were selected through experiments) is obviously observed because of the action of external force. By analyzing the variation of several key particle sizes after freezing-thawing cycle, the gradation standard of asphalt mixture aggregate suitable for cold area was obtained. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for the design and application of asphalt mixture in cold area.