Durability Of Asphalt Mixtures Research Articles

Effects of waste wollastonite filler on hot mix asphalt performance

Asphalt pavement plays a critical role in global infrastructure, necessitating substantial annual investments for maintenance and repair. Enhancing asphalt mixture performance is essential for prolonging pavement life and reducing associated costs. This study explores the use of waste wollastonite, a neutral mineral composed of silica and lime, as a filler material in asphalt mixtures. Comprehensive micro-scale performance tests, including Marshall Stability, resistance modulus, indirect tensile strength, and moisture sensitivity, were conducted on samples incorporating waste wollastonite. The findings indicate that replacing lime filler with waste wollastonite significantly improves asphalt performance; specifically, complete substitution resulted in increases in Marshall Stability, Marshall Quotient, and resistance modulus by 30%, 28%, and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, a 70% replacement of lime with waste wollastonite led to a 9% increase in tensile strength ratio while demonstrating a notable reduction in indirect tensile strength compared to control samples. These results suggest that waste wollastonite is a viable and effective filler option for enhancing the durability of asphalt mixtures.

Evaluating the Durability of Asphalt Mixtures for Flexible Pavement Using Different Techniques: A Review

Evaluating the Durability of Asphalt Mixtures for Flexible Pavement Using Different Techniques: A Review

Performance enhancement of asphalt mixture through the addition of recycled polymer materials

Enhancing the performance of asphalt binders is essential for ensuring the long-term durability and serviceability of asphalt mixtures, as it can help reduce the frequency of maintenance and repair work, ultimately leading to the development of more sustainable transportation infrastructure. To achieve this goal, this study investigates the effects of incorporating recycled polymer materials, including reclaimed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) derived from household waste, into hot mix asphalt. The experimental work involved subjecting the polymer-modified asphalt binders to a range of physical tests, such as softening point, penetration, ductility, indirect tensile strength, Marshall stability, and moisture susceptibility, and the results showed that the addition of recycled polymers, with an optimal content of 4%, led to lower penetration values and higher softening point temperatures, indicating improved resistance to temperature changes. Further analysis of the asphalt mixture performance revealed several beneficial outcomes, including a decrease in flow, a boost in the asphalt mixture's resistance to moisture-induced damage, and an improvement in Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength, with the inclusion of 4% recycled polymers yielding increases in Marshall stability of 43.7% and 37.4% for PVC and PS-modified mixes, respectively, and increments in indirect tensile strength of 32.2% and 29.7% for the same mixes. The study concludes that the use of recycled polymers can effectively enhance the performance and durability of asphalt mixtures, contributing to the development of more sustainable asphalt pavement construction practices by utilizing locally available or reused materials, which could lead to the increased knowledge and application of stronger and more weather-resistant asphalt mixes, ultimately promoting the advancement of sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Effect of low-content crumb rubber modification on the performance of bitumen and asphalt

The performance of flexible pavements is greatly influenced by rutting, fatigue, and durability, leading to premature failures under environmental conditions. The limitations of traditional bitumen in flexible asphalt pavements are due to the significant rise in traffic loads and volumes. The reason for incorporating tire waste into bitumen is its incredible qualities and economical price as a bitumen modifier. The quality of crumb rubber (CR)-modified bitumen mainly depends on the concentration of low-content CR dispersed into the base bitumen. The primary target of this research is to modify the bitumen with low-content CR to improve the thermal properties, rheology, rutting resistance, fatigue resistance, and moisture-damaged performance. The three concentrations, i.e., 5%, 10%, and 15% of CR, were selected based on extensive preliminary trials when dispersed in conventional 60/70 penetration grade bitumen. The consistency and mixture test results concluded that the optimum dosage of CR-10% provides a 20% improvement in thermal performance, a 15% increase in rheological stability, a 25% enhancement in rutting resistance, a 30% boost in fatigue resistance, and a 10% reduction in moisture damage susceptibility. The inclusion of CR makes rubberized asphalt an attractive and effective solution for highway construction, aligning with sustainable construction practices. The findings demonstrate that low-content CR-modified asphalt improved the durability of asphalt mixtures against moisture-induced damage and other benefits, such as reduced cracking and maintenance requirements. The CR technology led to a significant subsidization in the environmental impact of asphalt paving from 5 to 10% compared to standard paving applications.

Identification of asphalt binder tests for detecting variations in binder cracking performance

Asphalt binders are vital components in the construction of roadways, and their quality significantly impacts the performance and durability of asphalt mixtures. However, it is possible for binders to exhibit different performance with identical Performance Grade (PG) due to variations in source, refining processes, and modifiers (if any). This paper presents a comprehensive study aimed at identifying candidate tests to detect variances in the quality of the binders in terms of cracking resistance. Eight PG 64–22 asphalt binders were selected and subjected to multiple laboratory tests, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Poker chip, and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests. The binders were then incorporated into asphalt mixtures, and their cracking resistance was evaluated using the IDEAL cracking test (IDEAL-CT) and Overlay test (OT). The study findings revealed that phase angle test, poker chip test, and Glover–Rowe (G–R) parameter test emerged as promising candidates to detect variations in the quality of binders of the same grade based on their cracking resistance. Notably, phase angle and G-R tests, both utilizing DSR, offered valuable supplementary assessments to the traditional PG grading system, proving crucial in evaluating cracking resistance. Furthermore, the poker chip test, an affordable alternative to DSR, demonstrated its effectiveness in evaluating binder quality for cracking performance. In conclusion, the identified candidate tests provide valuable insights into evaluating the quality of asphalt binders. By incorporating these tests into mix design and evaluation processes, engineers can make informed decisions to optimize the performance and durability of asphalt pavements.

Aging Resistance Evaluation of an Asphalt Mixture Modified with Zinc Oxide

The phenomenon of the oxidation and aging of asphalt binders affects the strength and durability of asphalt mixtures in pavements. Several studies are trying to improve the resistance to this phenomenon by modifying the properties of the binders with nano-particles. One material that shows promise in this field is zinc oxide (ZnO), especially in improving ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance. Few studies have evaluated the effect of these nano-particles on the thermo-oxidative resistance of asphalt binders, and, on hot-mix asphalt (HMA), studies are even more scarce and limited. Therefore, in the present study, the resistance to thermo-oxidative aging of an HMA manufactured with an asphalt binder modified with ZnO was evaluated. An asphalt cement (AC 60–70) was initially modified with 0, 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10% ZnO (percentage by weight of asphalt binder; ZnO/AC in wt%), and then exposed to aging in Rolling Thin-Film Oven tests (RTFOT) and a Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV). Penetration, viscosity, and softening point tests were performed on these binders, and aging indices were calculated and evaluated. Samples of HMAs were then manufactured using these binders and designed by the Marshall method, determining the optimum asphalt binder content (OAC) and the optimum ZnO/AC ratio. Control (unmodified) and modified HMA were subjected to short-term oven aging (STOA) and long-term oven aging (LTOA) procedures. Marshall, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), and resilient modulus (RM) tests were performed on these mixtures. LTOA/STOA results of the parameters measured in these tests were used as aging indices. In this study, ZnO was shown to increase the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of the asphalt binder and HMA. It also contributed to an increase in the resistance under monotonic loading in the Marshall and ITS tests, and under repeated loading in RM test. Likewise, it contributed to a slightly increasing resistance to moisture damage. The best performance is achieved using ZnO/AC = 5 wt%.

Construction Quality Control for Rutting Resistance of Asphalt Pavement Using BIM Technology

During the course of building asphalt pavement, a lack of quality control will lead to the abandonment of the asphalt mixtures. One of the most common problems with asphalt pavement is rutting. Improving the construction’s quality is an important measure to reduce rutting. The purpose is to ensure the high-temperature durability of asphalt mixtures during the construction workflow to reduce the waste of asphalt mixtures, as well as to provide a methodology for the current monitoring of the quality based on the building information modeling (BIM). Rutting resistance was appraised utilizing the static uniaxial creep examination. Oblique photography technology was used to obtain terrain data. The software of Revit 2016 was used to build the spatial model of highways and bridges. The results show that the size distribution of particles, the asphalt proportion, and the forming specimen’s temperature are the vital elements influencing the high-temperature behavior. The gradation was identified as the most important factor. The second was the asphalt binder content. Gradation variation should be given more consideration during paving using asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, the developed BIM platform can also monitor rutting resistance to reduce rework during construction.

Research on skid-resistance durability of high viscosity modified asphalt mixture by accelerated abrasion test

To evaluate influence of external environment and material composition on skid-resistance durability of high viscosity modified asphalt (HVMA) mixture, the accelerated abrasion test was selected to simulate decay of skid resistance for asphalt mixture by setting different test conditions. The influence of aggregate gradation, asphalt type, ambient humidity and overload on skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture was discussed, and the significant effect of selected factors on skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture was revealed. The results show that the skid-resistance durability of SMA-13 (Stone Mastic Asphalt) mixture is better than OGFC-13(Open Graded Friction Course) and PA-13 (Porous Asphalt) mixture under different conditions, and attenuation rate of different indexes of SMA-13 mixture is 1.6–2.2% and 0.8–2.1% lower than compared with OGFC-13 and PA-13 mixture. The attenuation rate of texture depth for asphalt mixture is closely related to aggregate gradation and asphalt, but the attenuation rate of british pendulum number for asphalt mixture with the same mineral aggregate is only significantly affected by the asphalt. The skid resistance of SMA-13 and PA-13 mixture is improved slightly by addition of high viscosity modified asphalt. The attenuation rate of texture depth of SMA-13 and PA-13 mixture with HVMA is reduced about 0.6–3.0% and 2.2–4.2% than SBS modified asphalt, but the attenuation rate of british pendulum number of above mixtures is increased about 1.2–1.6% and 0.3–1.7%. The skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture with TPS (TAFPACK-Super) and SINOTPS high viscosity agent is better than HVA (High viscosity additive). The skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture based on texture depth is improved under wet condition. However, the skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture for british pendulum number gets worse due to water intrusion. The skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture is rapidly decreased under overload condition. The influence of overload and SBS modified asphalt on skid-resistance durability of asphalt mixture is higher than ambient humidity and HVMA. This paper will provide foundation for high viscosity modified asphalt applied in asphalt pavement.

Study of Crumb Rubber as Binder Material in Asphalt

Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates, bitumen, quarry dust, and cement. As an addition in hot mix asphalt mixtures, recycled tire rubber known as "crumb rubber" is regarded as an environmentally friendly building practice. The laboratory hot mix asphalt design tests were conducted according to Marshall method procedure. In this study, three different crumb rubber contents (10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of bitumen), and three different bitumen contents (4%, 5%, and 6%) with a penetration grade 60/70 were investigated. The Marshall stability value and durability properties were taken into account in a comparison study between the standard and modified asphalt concrete mixtures. The strength and performance of asphalt mixtures tended to improve with the addition of crumb rubber. As some of the test results were within the acceptable range, the findings indicated that crumb rubber is advised for use as an addition in asphalt mixtures. Besides, the durability of asphalt mixtures also needed to be concerned.

Improvement of pavement engineering properties with calcium carbide residue (CCR) as filler in Stone Mastic Asphalt

Characteristics of pavement material are crucial factors in improving the stability and durability of asphalt pavement due to the poor performance of traditional asphalts. Reusing industrial waste in asphalt concrete production can address these concerns, reduce environmental problems and preserve resources. There have been few studies on the effects of using industrial waste materials on Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) properties. This paper examines the impact of Calcium Carbide Residue (CCR) as a filler in SMA. The study evaluates control samples, those with Rock Powder (RP) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) filler, and those with CCR using Marshall stability (MS) and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITSdry and ITSsat) tests. Results show positive effects of CCR and RP on asphalt sample strength. The highest MS, MQ, and TSR values were observed in samples containing CCR80 %+RP20 %. These indices increased 45 %, 35 %, and 51 %, respectively, compared to control samples. The alkaline CCR material forms strong bonds with acidic bitumen, producing asphalt more resistant by 97 % compared to control samples. SMA modified with CCR + RP was also found to be less sensitive to water damage than traditional SMA with RP or OPC filler. The rough texture of CCR may positively affect the strength and durability of asphalt mixtures against moisture damage. Using CCR as a filler in SMA can enhance pavement engineering properties, reduce production costs and environmental problems, and develop sustainable asphalt mixtures for practical application. The main novelty of this research is the use of CCR and RP combination in SMA mixtures.

The Effects of Nano-silica Addition on the Physical Properties of Polyethylene-Modified Asphalt Binder and the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Asphalt Mixtures

The Effects of Nano-silica Addition on the Physical Properties of Polyethylene-Modified Asphalt Binder and the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Asphalt Mixtures

Interfacial bonding property and microscopic damage mechanism of bitumen-aggregate in salt-freeze-thawing environment

Deicing salt or snow-melting agent has a corrosive effect on the pavement, which reduces the durability of asphalt pavement. The interfacial bonding properties of bitumen-aggregate is one of the main factors affecting the durability of asphalt mixture. To evaluate the interfacial bonding properties of bitumen-aggregate and reveal the damage mechanism under salt-freeze-thaw coupling effect, the bitumen-aggregate samples with the same film thickness were formed by controlling the applied load. The corrosion of deicing salt on bitumen-aggregate and bitumen film samples was simulated by freeze-thaw cycles in 1 %, 3 % and 5 % NaCl solution. The pull-off test of SBS modified bitumen-aggregate after salt-freeze-thaw cycles was conducted. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) test was carried out to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the impact of salt-freeze-thaw coupling effect on bitumen functional groups. The surface morphology of bitumen samples treated in salt-freeze-thawing environment was also scanned by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in tapping mode. The results illustrate that the pull-off strength of bitumen-aggregate decreases sharply first and then the decrease rate slows down with the rise of salt-freeze-thaw coupling cycles. The carbonyl index and sulfoxide index of SBS modified bitumen increases, and the butadiene index decreases after freeze-thaw cycles in NaCl solution. The environment of salt erosion and freeze-thaw cycle accelerates the deterioration of SBS modifier and reduces the distinction of various phases in bitumen binder. Then the Ra and Rq of SBS modified bitumen decreases significantly in salt-freeze-thawing environment. The decrease of butadiene index and root mean square roughness leads to the weakening of adsorption between SBS modified bitumen and aggregate, which is the main reason for the damage of interfacial bonding performance of bitumen-aggregate. In summary, the salt-freeze-thawing environment damages the bonding performance of bitumen-aggregate. The damage law and deterioration mechanism of bonding properties of bitumen-aggregate presented in this paper provides some references for the optimal design of asphalt mixture in salt-freeze-thawing environment.

Study on Adhesion Performance and Aging Strength Degradation Mechanism of SBS Modified Asphalt with Different Anti-Aging Additive.

After aging, the adhesiveness of asphalt deteriorates, leading to a reduction in the durability of asphalt mixtures and affecting the service life of asphalt pavements. To enhance the anti-aging performance of asphalt, this study employed the method of melt blending to prepare three types of modified asphalt: graphene/SBS modified asphalt (G/SBSMA), crumb rubber/SBS modified asphalt (CR/SBSMA), and petroleum resin/SBS modified asphalt (PR/SBSMA). Different dosages of the three types of modified asphalt were tested for changes in conventional performance indicators. The optimal dosages of graphene, crumb rubber, and C9 petroleum resin were determined to be 2%, 15%, and 5%, respectively. Based on the theory of surface free energy, the effects of anti-aging agents on the microscopic properties of SBS modified asphalt before and after aging were analyzed using the three-liquid method. The mechanisms of strength attenuation at the asphalt-aggregate interface under water exposure and aging were revealed. The results showed that with the increase of aging gradient, the asphalt-aggregate biphasic system became more active. The cohesive energy and peel energy of SBS modified asphalt increased continuously, while the adhesive energy decreased continuously, leading to a decrease in the energy ratio parameter. Resin-based anti-aging agents exhibited the most significant improvement in asphalt adhesion performance, while graphene demonstrated a more stable enhancement in asphalt's water stability during the aging stage.

A New Framework for Determining the Gradation of Asphalt Mixtures

Strength and rutting resistance as well as durability are the main quality measures for any asphalt mix. While the strength and resistance of the asphalt mixture to permanent deformation are controlled by the aggregate interlock and aggregate packing, the durability of asphalt mixture depends on adequate volumetric characteristics and film thickness of asphalt mixture. Accordingly, providing an adequate interlock between aggregates and the aggregate packing is of high importance in designing a new asphalt mixture in order to produce desirable volumetric characteristics in asphalt mixture. A new framework for asphalt mixture gradation has been developed and designed following an intensive review of the various currently used approaches. The new framework considers all the controlling factors in the aggregate gradation design for optimum gradation of the asphalt mixtures. Satisfactory interlocking between aggregate particles, proper skeleton within the asphalt mixture, and acceptable volumetric properties are the main parameters to be considered for optimum gradation design for asphalt mix. The framework provides a systematic approach for the gradation process starting from the concentration at different sieves to finally account for the Other parameters including ratio, CA ratio and are also considered through the current framework.

The Durability of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) Mixtures Designed Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Aggregates Against Floodwater Immersion

The durability of asphalt mixtures against floodwater immersion can serve as a reference to anticipate potential road damage. Moreover, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) materials have been discovered as a substitute for aggregate materials in road pavement due to their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the durability of asphalt mixtures produced using RAP aggregate materials against floodwater immersion for 1, 2, 4, and 8 days. The process involved using Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixtures with a proportion of 33% RAP aggregate as test specimens. The Marshall test conducted on the asphalt mixture produced an optimum asphalt content (OAC) value of 6.1%. Moreover, the durability of the mixture reduced up to the 8th day of immersion with a residual strength value of 86.29%. It was also discovered that the reduction in the durability value of the mixture produced using 33% RAP aggregate was almost similar to the application of 100% new aggregate (non-RAP). This means RAP aggregate materials are feasible as an environmentally friendly substitute in the mixture of road pavement.

Evaluation of Anti-Skid Performance of Asphalt Mixture Based on Accelerated Loading Test

Anti-skid performance is the most critical indicator that reflects the safety performance of the road surface. A good anti-skid performance of the road surface guarantees the safe and fast driving of vehicles. However, the asphalt pavement of highways has gradually exposed the anti-skid performance attenuation, which affects driving safety. Therefore, this study aims to accurately evaluate the anti-skid durability of asphalt mixtures based on a 1/3-size accelerated loading test with different anti-skid surfaces as the research object and explores the key factors affecting the long-term anti-skid performance of asphalt mixtures. The texture depth test and the pendulum value test show that the anti-skid durability of the SMA asphalt mixture is better than that of the AC asphalt mixture. The attenuation prediction equation of the British Pendulum Number (BPN), an anti-skid performance index based on an indoor accelerated loading test, was constructed. After the accelerated loading test stabilized, the BPN and BPN attenuation rate b were used as an index to evaluate the anti-skid durability of the asphalt mixture.

Impact of Laboratory Long-Term Aging Procedures on Intermediate-Temperature Behavior of Asphalt Binders in Asphalt Fine Aggregate Matrix Mixtures

The durability of asphalt mixtures and flexible pavements are closely related to the properties of the asphalt fine aggregate matrix (FAM) with aging. However, there are still no uniform aging procedures specified for laboratory-prepared FAM. In this study, the intermediate-temperature behavior of FAM under various accelerated aging procedures was investigated at the binder scale to reveal the influence of the FAM aging. Three different long-term aging procedures were considered, including loose mixes aging (95°C and 135°C) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) protocols. Frequency sweep test and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test were carried out on binders extracted from aged FAMs. Rheological tests were also performed on corresponding binders with standard PAV procedure to show the impact of FAM during the aging process. Moreover, an aging kinetics model was put forward to qualify the linear rheological property evolutions for fast and constant aging reaction stages under various aging conditions. The results show that 135°C loose FAM mixes aging significantly reduces the fatigue performance of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified binder, and employing 95°C loose mixes aging and PAV aging procedures can avoid this adverse effect. Moreover, to match the aging degree of asphalt and FAM, an aging duration more than 40 h is recommended.

Adhesive and Cohesive Cracking Analysis of Asphalt Mastics in Contact with Steel Substrates Using an Energy-Based Crack Initiation Criterion

Adhesive and cohesive properties play a vital role in the durability of asphalt mixtures. As a result of the lack of models characterizing adhesive and cohesive cracking, the occurrence of adhesive and cohesive failure has not been fully formulated by using an explicit mechanical approach. Strain energy density in intact mastics is transformed into adhesive and cohesive surface energies as cracks initiate. This study developed an energy-based crack initiation criterion based on the Griffith model and differentiated adhesive and cohesive cracking. The onset of cracking was identified by the deviation of the measured stress from the linear viscoelastic stress. The released strain energy at the crack initiation balanced the increase in surface energies, thus creating a new adhesive and cohesive surface. Several fracture parameters such as initial crack size, cracking stress, and tensile strength were proposed to analyze the effects of sample thickness, strain rate, temperature, and filler concentration in mastics. Results indicate that the adhesive energy, cohesive energy and strain energy density significantly depend on filler concentration in mastic and test temperature but is independent from sample thickness and strain rate. In particular, the variation of the strain energy density from 20 °C to 35 °C reaches 127.4%, and its decrease is up to 46.9% as the filler concentration in the mastic varies from 0 to 60%. The increase in the sample thickness from 160 μm to 1000 μm results in the 150.0% growth of the initial crack size and 74.4% reduction of the cracking stress. Therefore, increasing the adhesive and cohesive energy can essentially improve the toughness to resist the cracking, and decreasing the mastic thickness enhances the loading capacity. It provides a deep understanding of the mixture cracking from a perspective of adhesive and cohesive surface energies.

The Improvement of Asphalt Mixture Durability Using Portland Cement Filler and Rice Husk Ash

The Improvement of Asphalt Mixture Durability Using Portland Cement Filler and Rice Husk Ash

Estimation of voids in a multi-sized mineral aggregate for asphalt mixture using the Theoretical Packing Density Model

The asphalt mixture durability and the rutting performance are related to the design parameter called Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA). The main objective of this research consists in estimating VMA according to gradation variation thanks to a non-linear packing density model: the Theoretical Packing Density Model (TPDM). The TPDM is derived from the Compressible Packing Model (CPM). Data are from Vavrik’s reference experiments. The TPDM requires only two parameters: the critical cavity size ratio x0 which characterizes the size of the voids in the coarse aggregate and the compaction index K. TPDM estimates are compared with those of another model, the linear-mixture packing model, thanks to the correlation coefficient, the mean absolute error, the root mean square error and the mean square error. These four statistical indicators are worth respectively 94%, 1.50%, 0.62%, 0.38% for the TPDM and 90%, 1.68%, 0.88%, 0.77% for the linear-mixture packing model: the TPDM therefore makes it possible to reduce the most significant deviations between measurements and estimates.