Permeability detection and distress evolution characteristics of semi-rigid base asphalt pavement by infrared thermal difference method

Abstract

ABSTRACT Semi-rigid base asphalt pavement (SBAP) has been recognised as an economical and high load-carrying ability pavement and has been practised widely in China. One of its primary deficiencies is water distress. In this study, the permeability detection of SBAP was investigated by infrared thermal difference method (ITDM), in which the permeability and distress evolution characteristics were explored by detecting the temperature difference. The air voids, thermal difference and permeability of asphalt pavement specimens were designed to obtain influence of water volume change on pavement temperature. The field thermal difference tests were performed by special test carriage and pavement distress were measured to obtain permeability responses. The results indicate that during temperature difference increases from 2 ∘ C to 5.9 ∘ C, ITDM will reflect the air voids and permeability coefficient of asphalt pavement. The results also show it takes more than 3 days for the water in the saturated specimens with a permeability coefficient greater than 300 mL/min to evaporate, which is unfavourable to the pavement. Furthermore, the field ITDM experimental results are corresponded well with pavement distress. It is concluded that ITDM is an effective approach for asphalt pavement permeability detection.