Abstract
The microwave heating/healing technique is regarded as a green maintenance approach for asphalt pavements thanks to its promising environmental and economic benefits. However, the main concern about this technology is represented by the possible aging effect generated on bituminous binders. Currently, there is a significant lack of studies dealing with this topic. Based on these premises, the main purpose of this study is to appraise the feasibility of implementing microwave-based maintenance operations considering the associated aging effect. The assessment of fatigue life after cyclic microwave heating (MH) based on a linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and the changes in the chemical groups detected through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy document the aging phenomenon. The results indicate that the microwave aging degree on bituminous binder is nonlinear with MH cycles. The microwave radiation causes a distinct aging impact on binders during the first 10 cycles, then the values become constant. Furthermore, a feasibility analysis of MH technology is developed, encompassing four main multidisciplinary aspects: evaluation of microwave aging degree, working mechanism of MH equipment, safety assessment, and economic and ecological considerations. Despite the associated aging issue, the MH method is an efficient technology, considering its various advantages (i.e., rapidity of execution, uniform and non-pollutant treatment, and deep penetration). Meanwhile, the use of steel slag as a microwave absorber bolsters the sustainability of MH technology. This study provides a new perspective to evaluate the microwave heating technique in road engineering comprising the generated aging effect. Practice-oriented recommendations are also formulated regarding the safe implementation of MH technical operations.
Highlights
Asphalt materials are widely employed to construct surface layers of paved roads worldwide, thanks to the numerous advantages reported: it increases driver safety, ensures a smooth, uniform surface, and provides a cost-effective, durable solution [1]
The parameters A and B can be obtained from the accelerated test to the amplitude sweep, indicating the decreasing ability of the asphalt binder to maintain fatigue resistance
The value of the storage modulus is reduced during the process of the its integritysweep, during indicating loading cycles and the accumulated damage this trend amplitude the decreasing ability of the asphaltprocess, binder and to maintain its can be represented by cycles parameter
Summary
Asphalt materials are widely employed to construct surface layers of paved roads worldwide, thanks to the numerous advantages reported: it increases driver safety (high skid resistance and good road visibility), ensures a smooth, uniform surface, and provides a cost-effective, durable solution [1]. LAS tests are performed in this study to estimate the on the continuum damage principle [32]. LAS tests are performed in this study to estimate fatigue resistance of asphalt binder according to AASHTO TP TP [33]. TheThe procedure is the fatigue resistance of asphalt binder according to AASHTO procedure firstly performed in shear using a frequency sweep to determine the rheological properties, is firstly performed in shear using a frequency sweep to determine the rheological and a series of oscillatory load cycles at load systematically amplitudes at properties, and a series of oscillatory cycles at increasing systematically increasing aamplitudes constant frequency arefrequency applied to in damage the specimen.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
