Deterioration Of Asphalt Pavements Research Articles

Study on the influence of tire polishing on surface texture durability and skid resistance deterioration of asphalt pavement

As an inherent attribute of asphalt pavement, texture durability is the essential reason for the change in skid resistance. However, different scale texture deterioration behavior remains unclear by tire wearing at present. To explore the influence of the durability of multi-scaled textures on skid resistance, nine pavement specimens were tested using the Harbin polishing and dynamic friction integrated experimental machine (HPFM). The pavement anti-skid texture tester (PATT-II) was used for high-precision texture scanning and reconstruction. The results show that the texture richness and skid resistance of the three types of pavements in 300 min polishing are ranked as Open-graded Friction Coarse (OGFC) > Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) > Asphalt Concrete (AC), while SMA presents the best durability, determined by the material skeleton structure of asphalt mixture. The macro-texture deterioration occurs slightly at first and then tends to stabilize in 300 min polishing. The micro-texture deterioration behavior is the same as the μHPFM, increasing rapidly at the beginning, then slowly decreasing, and finally remaining constant. This deterioration is caused by the asphalt damage and continuously wearing aggregate surface. The 2D-PSD deterioration behavior is more significant with a smaller texture scale in 300min polishing, and the most considerable contribution wavelength in the microscopic scale range is 0.15 mm–0.3 mm, which is determined by the adhesion characteristics and molecular mechanism between a mineral mixture and asphalt material. The influence of pavement texture on the dynamic friction coefficient is significantly different under different water film thicknesses, the micro-texture and macro-texture play the main roles in boundary and mixed lubrication, respectively.

Recovering the properties of aged bitumen using bio-rejuvenators derived from municipal wastes

Ageing of bitumen leads to significant performance deterioration of asphalt pavements and leads to material properties that are not conducive to recycling. Aiming to maximise the reusability of bitumen, this study investigated the feasibility of rejuvenating aged bitumen using bio-based rejuvenators synthesised from municipal wastes. Two bio-rejuvenators were used in this study, namely Rej-A which was a crude polymer with bio-waste pyrolysis dense fractions and Rej-B which was a filtered pyrolysis wax further derived from Rej-A. The bio-rejuvenators, virgin, aged, and rejuvenated bitumen were characterised using a comprehensive testing programme of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and frequency sweep tests. It was observed that both bio-rejuvenators produced in this study can effectively recover the rheological properties of aged bitumen, improving its fatigue performance, e.g. the fatigue lives (at 15 % strain level) of Rej-A and Rej-B rejuvenated bitumen were 5.4 times and 3.0 times of that for aged bitumen when the dosage was 14 %. The rejuvenated bitumen was more sensitive to strain while less sensitive to temperature compared with virgin bitumen. Overall, Rej-A outperformed Rej-B in recovering the properties of aged bitumen. However, Rej-A was thermally unstable, undergoing 15.6 % mass loss when heated to 160 °C.

Concrete Highway Crack Detection Based on Visible Light and Infrared Silicate Spectrum Image Fusion.

Cracks provide the earliest and most immediate visual response to structural deterioration of asphalt pavements. Most of the current methods for crack detection are based on visible light sensors and convolutional neural networks. However, such an approach obviously limits the detection to daytime and good lighting conditions. Therefore, this paper proposes a crack detection technique cross-modal feature alignment of YOLOV5 based on visible and infrared images. The infrared spectrum characteristics of silicate concrete can be an important supplement. The adaptive illumination-aware weight generation module is introduced to compute illumination probability to guide the training of the fusion network. In order to alleviate the problem of weak alignment of the multi-scale feature map, the FA-BIFPN feature pyramid module is proposed. The parallel structure of a dual backbone network takes 40% less time to train than a single backbone network. As determined through validation on FLIR, LLVIP, and VEDAI bimodal datasets, the fused images have more stable performance compared to the visible images. In addition, the detector proposed in this paper surpasses the current advanced YOLOV5 unimodal detector and CFT cross-modal fusion module. In the publicly available bimodal road crack dataset, our method is able to detect cracks of 5 pixels with 98.3% accuracy under weak illumination.

High Temperature Performance of Rubber-Modified Asphalt Mixtures in Water-Light-Heat Coupled Environment

Asphalt pavement has been repeatedly subjected to vehicle loads during service. The probability and risk of water damage and asphalt deterioration of asphalt pavements is relatively higher in high temperature and rainy areas such as the Guangxi region of China. In this paper, the changes in rubbermodified asphalt and its mixtures under high temperature, water cycling, and ultraviolet light have been investigated. The coupled water-light-heat effects on asphalt pavements were simulated by developing a freeze-thaw cycle test protocol and a UV environment simulator. The high temperature performance of asphalt and asphalt mixtures before and after aging was compared and statistically analyzed by indoor tests of needle penetration, ductility, softening point, rutting factor and dynamic stability. Under water-light-heat coupling, rubberized asphalt showed a deeper degree of aging, accelerated conversion of asphalt to a highly elastic material, and an increased tendency to reduce flow capacity. The results showed decreasing dynamic stability of rubberized asphalt mixtures with decreasing needle penetration and ductility, increasing softening point, increasing rutting factor and decreasing phase angle. The effect of UV light on asphalt needle penetration was more significant, while the number of freeze-thaw cycles had a more pronounced effect on softening point.

Research on the Damage Mechanics Model of Asphalt Pavement Based on Asphalt Pavement Potential Damage Index

In recent years, due to the increasing traffic volume and the serious deterioration of overloading, the heavy vehicle load has emerged, leading to the more and more common early damage of asphalt pavement, and overloading has become one of the important factors endangering the pavement. The traditional method is to strengthen the road, but as the base course and asphalt pavement thickness are both improved, TOP-DOWN fissures and ruts on the asphalt pavement surface have emerged as the most prevalent form of asphalt pavement damage. However, a final verdict on a single mechanical explanation for the many occurrences of asphalt pavement deterioration has not yet been reached. Material yielding and failure under varying stress conditions are the focus of strength theory, which seeks to provide norms and standards for their computation. Mohr Coulomb and Drucker Prager strength theories are two of the most well-established, thoroughly investigated, and widely used strength theories in geological and geotechnical engineering. In this research, the damage form and stress condition of asphalt pavement are analyzed and predicted using M-C and D-P criteria, and a new pavement structure damage control index, the Asphalt pavement potential damage index with fatigue loading (APPDI), is established. Preliminary calculations reveal that APPDI may become a unified mechanical assessment index of asphalt pavement structural damage, since it can explain both flexural tensile damage at the base of the layer and rutting and cracking at the surface.

Investigation of surface textures deterioration on pavement skid-resistance using hysteresis friction models and numerical simulation method

Many rubber friction theories or some method combined theories and field-experiments are employed to evaluate the pavement skid-resistance deterioration due to the evolution of surface textures. However, these methods are difficult to be implemented in the analysis of situations with multi-factor coupling and some extreme conditions. This study developed a framework to evaluate the skid-resistance deterioration of asphalt pavements. In this framework, the portable laser scanning was used to create the digital worn pavement model, and a hydroplaning finite element (FE) model for these digital worn pavements was constructed to evaluate coupling effects of the texture evolution and factors of slip ratio, slip angle, velocity and water film on braking-cornering characteristics of tire. In this study, the deterioration of skid-resistance of five typical asphalt pavements due the surface texture wear was systematically investigated by this framework. Compared with previous works, this study established the rubber friction models for each digital worn pavement considering the energy hysteresis of rubber and the power spectrum density of surface texture. And the rubber friction model was used to define the interaction behaviors between the tire and corresponding wore pavements in the FE hydroplaning model, rather than using an empirical friction model or a fixed friction coefficient.

Influence of Traffic Characteristics on Pavement Performance of Parking Lots

This research aims to identify and interpret the main traffic characteristics affecting the pavement condition index (PCI) of asphalt within parking areas. The study also examines the effect of severity and type of asphalt pavement distress on parking decisions. Previous literature examines the impact of the environment on asphalt pavement deterioration. This paper will focus on the shape of traffic operations within a parking area. The methodology includes applying a multilevel mixed regression model to reveal the hidden hierarchical relationship between traffic activities and the different types of pavement distresses and then discovering their effect on asphalt PCI. The resulting models showed that parking lots are aging faster than the common traveling roads due to the increased impact of axial loads on their surfaces at low and static speeds and some distinctive traffic characteristics. Moreover, some types of pavement distress, such as alligator cracks, potholes and depressions, appear more widely than others on the parking lot surface and significantly influence the parking decision. The conclusion of the research may significantly impact pavement design and maintenance management for parking lots.

Evaluation of the Effect of Interlayer Bonding Condition on the Deterioration of Asphalt Pavement

In this study, to investigate the effect of interlayer bonding condition on the deterioration of asphalt pavement, we conducted numerical analysis based on multi-layer elastic theory, verification of numerical analysis results by experiments on a full-scale test track, and comparison of the progress of deterioration based on accelerated loading tests conducted on the test pavement. Firstly, the analysis indicated that stronger tensile strain could occur on the upper side of the interlayer when the interlayer bonding weakens. Furthermore, the test pavement simulating interlayer debonding showed the same strain tendency as the analysis. These results suggest that if the interlayer debonding continues, the pavement may suffer early fatigue failure. On the other hand, there are some results that are not consistent with those of the analysis, such as the magnitude of deflection in the test pavement; thus, further investigation is required. Furthermore, because of the accelerated loading on the test pavement, the sections where the layers were debonded immediately after construction became bonded. Since the deflection of the test pavement did not change significantly from that immediately after construction, and no conspicuous damage such as cracks was observed on the road surface, it is considered necessary to continue follow-up surveys.

Rutting Prediction of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures Modified by Nano silica and Subjected to Aging Process

High-volume traffic with ultra-heavy axle loads combined with extremely hot weather conditions increases the propagation of rutting in flexible pavement road networks. Several studies suggested using nanomaterials in asphalt modification to delay the deterioration of asphalt pavement. The current work aims to improve the resistance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) to rutting by incorporating Nano Silica (NS) in specific concentrations. NS was blended into asphalt mixtures in concentrations of 2, 4, and 6% by weight of the binder. The behavior of asphalt mixtures subjected to aging was investigated at different stages (short-term and long-term aging). The performance characteristics of the asphalt mixtures were evaluated using the Marshall stability, flow, and wheel tracking tests. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was utilized to understand the microstructure changes of modified asphalt and estimate the dispersion of NS within the asphalt. The results revealed that using NS–asphalt mixtures as a surface layer in paving construction improved pavement performance by increasing stability, volumetric characteristics, and rutting resistance before and after aging. The FESEM images showed adequate dispersion of NS particles in the mixture. Results indicated that adding 4% of NS to asphalt mixtures effectively enhanced the pavement’s performance and rutting resistance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2023-09-01 Full Text: PDF

Comprehensive assessment of the durability deterioration of asphalt pavement in salt environment: A literature review

With the increasingly extensive application of road engineering, it is inevitable to consider the durability of pavement in harsh environment. In the southeast coastal areas, northwest salt lakes and saline soil areas of China, harsh natural climate conditions and enhanced salt have a significant negative impact on the service life of asphalt pavements. In addition, the durability of asphalt pavement has suffered irreparable harm of the man-made salt environment. In this paper, five typical salt environment characteristics of asphalt pavement has been analyzed. The experimental conditions affecting the durability of asphalt concrete are determined. Then the durability deterioration mechanism of asphalt concrete is discussed under the coupling action of salt and multiple factors. Subsequently, the evaluation methods of asphalt concrete are categorized and summarized using scales for road performance and structure. Finally, according to the degree of salt erosion damage of asphalt concrete, a series of measures to alleviate salt erosion are proposed. The results show that the performance of asphalt concrete suffers significantly in salt environment, and the cohesion of asphalt and the adhesion of asphalt-aggregate interface are key factors in the durability of asphalt concrete. It has beneficial theoretical and practical significance for improving the durability of asphalt concrete under harsh natural environment.

Rheological, Aging, and Microstructural Properties of Polycarbonate and Polytetrafluoroethylene Modified Bitumen.

Deterioration of asphalt pavements due to massive load of vehicles and climatic variation has demanded the use of pavements construction material with an excellent resilience characteristic, resistance to permanent deformation, and most importantly, a much longer service lifespan. The main structural distresses in pavement construction are permanent deformation at high temperatures and fatigue cracking under repetitive traffic loadings. To comprehensively investigate the performance of bitumen penetration grade (PG) 70 against rutting, fatigue, and high temperature cracking in hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements, polycarbonate (PC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were used. The investigation of the internal structure, rheological, and physical properties of base and modified bitumen (MB) mixes with different percentages of modifiers (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) by weight were performed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis, rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT), pressurized aging vessel (PAV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), rotational viscosity (RV), and bending beam rheometer (BBR). The results of the RV test indicate that modification of neat bitumen with polycarbonate and polytetrafluoroethylene increased the viscosity for polycarbonate-modified bitumen (PCMB), polytetrafluoroethylene-modified bitumen (PTFEMB), and for a blend of PCMB-PTFEMB by 44%, 50%, and 55.75% at 135 °C and 111.10%, 127.80%, and 138.88% at 165 °C, accordingly. BBR test results revealed that modifiers increased the rigidity of neat bitumen by 74.8%, 75.8%, and 74.5% at −16 °C, −22 °C, and −28 °C, respectively.

A Molecular Dynamics Approach to the Impacts of Oxidative Aging on the Engineering Characteristics of Asphalt.

Oxidative aging is an inevitable environmental factor that accelerates asphalt pavement deterioration. This study employed a molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the impact of aging on asphalt cement from the perspectives of thermodynamic properties, and diffusion and adhesion characteristics. Results indicate that aging increased bulk density from 1.008 to 1.081 g/cm3 and cohesive energy density by 15.6%, which was attributed to the promoted molecular polarity and intermolecular attractiveness. The enhanced molecular interactions also reduced molecular mobility, which led to an increase in the glass transition temperature by 30 K, suggesting that aging diminished the resistance of asphalt to thermal cracking. Simulations of the diffusion behaviors across different temperatures demonstrated that the Arrhenius relationship described well the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient, and that aging considerably slowed down the diffusion process as represented by Arrhenius prefactor D0, which dropped by 38.2%. The asphalt–aggregate adhesion was assessed using layered models with and without a water interlayer of different thicknesses. The adhesion was enhanced upon aging due to the significantly improved electrostatic interactions at the interface. Evaluation of the residual adhesion with the presence of interfacial water suggested that aging would raise the moisture susceptibility of asphalt pavement. The increase in molecular polarity was considered to be highly responsible for these aging consequences, and was thus further investigated via the electrostatic potential surface and dipole moment.

Influence of thermal aging and long term-aging on Ni and V content in asphalt fractions and their determination in air particulate matter from asphalt mixing plants

Ni and V can contribute to the deterioration of asphalt pavement by catalyzing the oxidation of some organic molecules present in the binder structure. In this work, the influence of the aging process on Ni and V compounds was studied by comparing the concentration of these two metals in the maltenic and asphaltenic fractions of virgin and aged asphalts. Long-term aging process was simulated by the combination of the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) and the SUNTEST method. The results showed that up to 56% of Ni and 53% of V were lost after aging. The greatest changes were observed for the acidic subfraction of both maltenes and asphaltenes. RTFOT/SUNTEST process was also compared to thermal aging using an extraction and collection device (DEC). All V losses were due to the emission of its volatile compounds during thermal aging. Ni losses were attributed to both UV–VIS radiation and sample heating. The presented results help to understand the behavior of both metals during asphalt aging, which has important economic value and can be useful to find solutions that delay the aging process. Ni and V were also determined in the organic fraction of air particulate matter from two asphalt mixing plants. Concentrations of Ni and V ranged from 0.42 to 0.84 ng m−3 h−1 and from 0.08 to 1.79 ng m−3 h−1, respectively, showing that the production of asphalt mixtures can contribute to the air pollution through the emission of Ni and V compounds.

Evaluation of the asphalt pavement deterioration on the Aspuzana- Nuevo Progreso branch using the VIZIR methodology in the year 2021

Evaluation of the asphalt pavement deterioration on the Aspuzana- Nuevo Progreso branch using the VIZIR methodology in the year 2021

Effects of Alkylamines-Based and Polyalkylene Glycol-Based Bonding Enhancers on the Performance of Asphalt Binders

The premature deterioration of asphalt pavements usually occurs due to different moisture damage mechanisms resulting in stripping, ravelling, potholes, and disintegration without proper treatment. Numerous efforts have been taken into consideration to improve the bonding between materials, hence prolonging the pavement life. This study evaluates the performance of asphalt binders incorporating Alkylamines-based (ALM) and Polyalkylene Glycol-based (PLG) bonding enhancers. Each bonding enhancer at 0.5% and 1.0% based on the weight of asphalt binder was separately blended with the conventional asphalt binder 60/70 penetration grade using a high shear mixer at 1000 rpm for 30 minutes at 160°C. The physical and rheological properties of modified binders were evaluated through penetration value, softening point, ductility, elastic recovery, rotational viscosity (RV), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Overall, additions of ALM and PLG show identical penetration grade compared to the control sample. Both ALM and PLG showcase a higher ductility and elastic recovery than the neat binder. The DSR test indicates the incorporation of bonding enhancers improves the modified binders’ rutting performance. While the application of ALM at 0.5% dosage increased the binder failure temperature out of all the tested samples, where the failure temperature is at 70°C, compared to others at 64°C. Studies at mastics and mixture levels should be conducted to appropriately understand the effect of bonding enhancer on the bituminous materials.

Effect of polyethylene glycol/polyacrylamide graft copolymerizaton phase change materials on the performance of asphalt mixture for road engineering

It is significant to make full use of solar energy to reduce the deterioration of asphalt pavements and the negative impact on the environment due to temperature changes. Using phase change materials (PCMs) in asphalt mixture could increase temperature regulation and reduce thermal degradation due to temperature cycling. In order to study the effect of a new solid–solid PCM called PPGC-PCM on the performance of asphalt mixture, a series of tests were carried out. The control group and six different contents of PPGC-PCM were added into AC-13 asphalt mixtures. The effects of PPGC-PCM on the mechanical, moisture resistance, high-temperature, and low-temperature cracking resistance properties of asphalt mixture was analyzed. The influence of PPGC-PCM on the thermal properties in asphalt mixture was analyzed by thermal conductivity test. Results showed that the addition of PPGC-PCM could improve the moisture resistance and low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures, as well as greatly reduce the thermal conductivity of the asphalt mixture. The optimal application could be achieved by using the PPGC-PCM with 7.5% addition ratio. In addition, the cooling test proved that the addition of PPGC-PCM could significantly improve the heat preservation capacity of the asphalt mixture. The temperature difference between PPGC-PCM and control testing groups was up to 3.8°C, and the mixture was cooled from 21°C to 0°C with a delay of 18–21 min.

Changes of components and rheological properties of bitumen under dynamic thermal aging

Bitumen material is inevitably affected by environmental factors in the process of use, which leads to bitumen aging or oxidation, thus accelerating the performance deterioration of asphalt pavement. However, the traditional aging method has carried out under a specific constant temperature, which cannot simulate the aging behavior of bitumen under dynamic thermal change. Therefore, three dynamic thermal aging processes at different temperatures were selected to simulate the aging process of bitumen under thermal dynamic change in this work. Thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to test the components, rheological properties, prominent functional groups and microstructure of bitumen under different aging conditions. The results show that with the increase of aging cycles, the content of saturates and aromatics components in bitumen decreases, and the content of asphaltenes increases obviously under the higher temperature range for aging cycles. Secondly, the aged bitumen gradually hardens and becomes brittle, especially under the dynamic thermal of the peak temperature of 200 °C, the deterioration of bitumen performance after 20 cycles exceeds the impact of TFOT for 15 h. In addition, for bitumen, dynamic thermal aging is also a thermal oxygen aging behavior, and the roughness and altitude of the bee structure decrease. Overall, this work provides some new ideas for the aging behavior of bitumen under dynamic thermal changes.

Examine the Underlying Causes of Flexible Pavement Deteriorations, Methods of Maintenance and Pavement Condition Rating

In India, the deterioration of asphalt pavement is a major issue in the road and highway sectors. It may occur due to a variety of factors such as premature aging, improper mix design, inadequate construction, and material quality, the improper structure design of pavement considering traffic, and a lack of preventive maintenance, among others. There are many types of distress in asphalt pavements known as disintegration (raveling, and potholes), fracture (spalling and cracking), and distortion (slippage deformation of permanent). This research aims to perform a physical survey for distress analysis and pavement condition rating using the IRC method. As a case study, four urban flexible pavement roads in the Pimpri Chinchwad Pune area were chosen. The roads are visually inspected to measure the severity to detect the types and extent of the distresses. Based on the severity of the distresses, the IRC method assigns a grade of 0 to 1.0 for poor condition roads, 1.1 to 2.0 for fair condition roads, and 2.1 to 3.0 for good condition roads. As per the pavement condition rating, two of the four urban roads were found to be in fair condition, while the other two were in poor condition. The cost-effective treatments were recommended from a variety of treatments such as slurry seal, fog seal, crack seal, micro-surfacing, thin cold or hot mix bituminous overlays, and surface dressing

Study of Asphalt-Concrete Pavement Fatigue Modeling

Deterioration of asphalt pavements due to fatigue cracking is one of the most common highway pavement failure types. If the fatigue cracks are allowed to develop and grow, the driving comfort and safety, i.e., serviceability of the pavement, decreases. Pavement fatigue behaviour is not a straightforward mechanism and involves many factors and effects, thus computational methods are developed in order to help understand how the pavement works. This paper explores the accuracy and applicability of a less computational resource demanding procedure that uses transient material mechanical behaviour to model the long-term behaviour of a pavement structure. First, the mechanical and fatigue properties of asphalt were determined at the laboratory. Then a four-layer finite-element model was created using Ansys software. Two different models – with and without infinity elements – and two different fatigue simulation procedures – full and simplified – were considered. Material parameters were obtained by the laboratory tests and material properties degraded over time. Cyclic surface loading was applied to simulate the passing of a truck – 6 million fatigue cycles were simulated.

Comprehensive review on the transport and reaction of oxygen and moisture towards coupled oxidative ageing and moisture damage of bitumen

Oxidative ageing and moisture damage are key factors in bitumen degradation and asphalt pavement deterioration. The effects of oxygen and moisture on bitumen are governed by their transport and reaction processes. This paper provides an overview of theories and concepts developed to describe the kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanisms of transport and reaction of moisture and oxygen within bitumen. The moisture- and oxygen-induced changes of the physicochemical and mechanical properties of bitumen are also discussed. The aim is to summarize literature findings and conclusions and discuss the possibilities of establishing coupled moisture-oxygen models to be used for long-term pavement performance predictions.