Resistance Of Asphalt Mixtures Research Articles

Texture and skid resistance of asphalt mixtures with crumb rubber: laboratory assessment

ABSTRACT The skid resistance of asphalt pavements is related to pavement texture. Also, the addition of crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires could improve friction, although this aspect of CR pavements has not been sufficiently studied. In this study, three types of mixtures were produced, a semi-dense mixture AC, a stone matrix asphalt SMA mixture, and an open-graded mixture BBTM. Each one was tested with three percentages of CR: 0.0, 0.75, and 1.50%. The surface of these mixtures was worn and polished in successive stages. At each stage, the macrotexture and microtexture data were obtained using a laser texturometer, and the skid resistance was measured using the British Pendulum Test (BPT). From these data, prediction models for the British Pendulum Number (BPN) value were adjusted based on macrotexture, microtexture, and CR content. According to these models, the microtexture of the pavement influences the BPN value more than the macrotexture for all types of mixtures studied. In addition, CR explains part of the BPN value of skid resistance in the SMA mixture and in the open-graded BBTM mixture. As for the semi-dense mixture, the presence of CR does not seem to significantly influence the skid resistance.

Performance Evaluation of Recycled Fibers in Asphalt Mixtures

This study presents the results of using innovative and sustainable recycled fibers in different asphalt mixtures. Laboratory design and performance evaluation were focused on the cracking and rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures reinforced with recycled fibers. Two mixtures were designed for this research: 1. A dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixture containing 15% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and a PG 64-22 asphalt binder. 2. A cold-recycled mixture (CRM) incorporating silica fume and Portland cement as a mineral filler and CSS-1H asphalt emulsion. The recycled fibers used in this study included PET, LDPE, and carbon and rubber fibers. A balanced mix design (BMD) approach based on cracking and rutting performance parameters was used to design the control mixtures. The IDEAL-CT (ASTM D8225) was conducted to assess the cracking resistance, and the IDEAL-RT (ASTM D8360) was applied for rutting resistance. For the HMA mixture, results showed that the addition of PET, carbon, and rubber fibers enhanced cracking resistance and influenced the rutting resistance; ANOVA analyses revealed statistically significant differences in both CT index and RT index between the control mixture and the fiber-reinforced mixtures. In the case of the cold-recycled mixtures, the addition of LDPE, PET, and rubber improved cracking resistance; however, a decrease in rutting resistance was also observed among the evaluated CRM samples.

Exploring mechanical properties and cracking behavior of AC-13 and OGFC-16 aggregate-segregated asphalt mixtures

Aggregate segregation compromises the homogeneity of asphalt pavement, which diminishes the road performance of the asphalt mixture. The segregation behavior and damage mechanism of asphalt mixture are complex. To investigate the mechanical properties and cracking behavior of asphalt mixtures with varying degrees of aggregate segregation, the dense-graded asphalt mixture with the nominal maximum size of 13.2mm (AC-13) and Open Graded Friction Course with the nominal maximum size of 16.0mm (OGFC-16) with varying degrees of segregation were designed. Indirect tensile test and the digital image correlation (DIC) technology was employed to analyze the strain distribution and strain evolution at the crack initiation point within the asphalt mixtures. The parameters were also proposed to evaluate the resistance to cracking for the segregated asphalt mixtures at a mesoscopic scale. The results show that increased segregation of coarse aggregates in AC-13 mixtures leads to decreased indirect tensile strength, lower maximum tensile strain along the horizontal direction (E11), and reduced failure displacement. Conversely, segregation of fine aggregates in OGFC-16 mixtures results in increased tensile strength, maximum strain, and failure displacement. Higher amount of coarse aggregates in the asphalt mixture contributes to a more intricate strain distribution and a greater number of strain peaks. Dense-graded mixtures show larger strain concentration zones prior to cracking, while smaller stress concentration zones are observed in open-graded mixtures. The horizontal strain-time curve displays distinct stages of stable growth, rapid growth, and rapid decline. Aggregate segregation results in more intricate crack patterns with larger inclination angles, influenced by the random distribution and shapes of coarse aggregates. Novel indexes such as strain uniformity (P1,2) and strain density during crack development (DW) effectively evaluate mesoscopic cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. The results offer valuable insights into cracking behavior and improve evaluation methods for the mechanical performance of aggregate-segregated asphalt mixtures.

Evaluation for anti-cracking performance of polyurethane grout based on overlay test

Polyurethane grouting has garnered increasing attention in road maintenance, owing to its exceptional interfacial adhesion, mechanical robustness, and chemical resilience. In comparison to conventional SBS-modified asphalt, polyurethane grout offers superior durability and demonstrates an enhanced capacity to inhibit crack propagation within asphalt mixtures. This study investigates the anti-cracking performance of polyurethane grout in comparison to traditional SBS-modified asphalt, utilizing the Overlay Test (OT) to simulate real-world conditions of reflective cracking in asphalt pavements. Results demonstrate that polyurethane grout significantly enhances the crack resistance of asphalt mixtures, manifesting superior durability and resistance to crack propagation at a controlled temperature of 25°C, with a marked increase in the number of loading cycles relative to the control. However, the performance of polyurethane grout is notably diminished under adverse conditions of low temperatures and water immersion. The investigation employs a multi-index evaluation, with gray correlation analysis delineating the efficacy of various indices in appraising crack resistance. Recommending the use of loading cycles, allowable failure times, and cumulative fracture energy as key metrics.

Experimental investigation and statistical analysis of performance of ceramic fiber-reinforced warm asphalt mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement

Asphalt recycling can help conserve natural resources while reducing associated costs. However, the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA) with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) generates a high heat rate, leading to the stiffening of the asphalt binder and the release of toxic gases. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is a cost-effective technique that softens and delays the aging of the asphalt binder while producing asphalt mixtures at lower temperatures, resulting in decreased energy usage and harmful pollutants. However, increasing the RAP content in WMA mixtures could have a detrimental impact on several asphalt mixture properties, such as fatigue and moisture resistance. Consequently, increasing the RAP content in WMA mixes could require devising a strategy to offset the drawbacks of RAP material. Fibers are recognized as one of the additives that are incorporated directly into the mixes and improve the fatigue and moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, this study is conducted to evaluate the impact of ceramic fibers (CFs) on the performance of WMA-RAP mixtures. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to find out how the CFs changed the responses of WMA-recycled asphalt mixes at low and intermediate temperatures. These responses included Marshal stability, rutting resistance, moisture susceptibility, and fatigue life resistance. RSM was used to find the best amounts of factors like CFs, WMA additive (Sasobit), and RAP using central composite design (CCD). The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant interaction between the CFs, RAP, and Sasobit. The CFs significantly improved every studied attribute, particularly the fatigue life at 5 °C and 20 °C. The excellent value of the adjusted coefficient of determination (adjusted R2) of all responses indicates a excellent correlation between the model and experimental results. The outcomes of the validation test demonstrate that every response has a percentage error of less than 5 %, exhibiting strong agreement and the accuracy of the model.

THE EFFECT OF SBR LATEX AND WARM MIX AGENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF DRY AND WET ASPHALT MIXTURES

Moisture damage has been identified as one of the most common causes of distress in asphalt mixes. The attachment between bitumen aggregate components deteriorates when water interacts at the interface, causing the binder to be stripped from the exterior of the aggregate and cohesive breakdown inside the asphalt binder. To reduce the moisture sensitivity of asphalt mixes, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and antistripping warm mix additive (WMA) have been frequently utilized. Nevertheless, the application of SBR and WMA as a compound modifier has yet to be investigated thus this research aims to evaluate the influence of SBR and WMA i.e., ZycoTherm on the moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures. For this reason, several tests, including modified Lottman, resilient modulus, and dynamic creep, were used to assess the mechanical properties of the mixes in both wet and dry situations. The results found that the SBR improved the mechanical performance of the mixture in dry conditions, whereas using the ZycoTherm as a single modifier was more effective in improving the performance of the mix in dry conditions. However, the application of the compound modifier (SBR and ZycoTherm) could optimize the performance of asphalt mixtures in both conditions i.e., dry and wet.

Enhancement of the Rutting Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures Modified by Nano Clay and Crumb Rubber

Enhancement of the Rutting Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures Modified by Nano Clay and Crumb Rubber

Effective optimization method of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures based on the two-parameter of contraction and relaxation

Thermal cracking is one of the primary distresses of asphalt pavement which is a complex process. Evaluating the Low-temperature Performance (LTP) of asphalt mixtures accurately and conducting material optimization analysis is not only crucial for understanding the thermal cracking mechanism of asphalt mixtures but also serve as the basis for enhancing their thermal cracking resistance performance. However, current research has not sufficiently interpreted the mechanism of thermal cracking. It is segmentary that optimizes asphalt mixtures solely based on their ultimate strength, strain, and so on at certain low-temperature points. Therefore, this study closely integrated the thermal cracking mechanism and proposed a two-parameter optimization method. Firstly, clarifying the decisive role of the contraction and relaxation relationship in determining LTP through the Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST), thermal contraction test, and low-temperature relaxation test. Secondly, quantizing the impact of the aggregates skeleton and then using a two-parameter method to analyze the comprehensive effects on LTP of asphalt mixtures. Finally, summarizing the material optimization method of asphalt binder-first, aggregates-second based on the multiple linear regression method. This paper simplified the evaluation method and provided a basis for material selection and design for improving the thermal cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures.

Sustainability of Asphalt Mixtures Containing 50% RAP and Recycling Agents

The substitution of virgin asphalt binder with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has environmental and economic merits, however, cracking susceptibility arises due to the aged asphalt binder within RAP. The objectives of this study are to (1) enhance the cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures containing 50% RAP utilizing recycling agents (RAs) derived from six petroleum-based and bio-based materials, (2) conduct an environmental impact assessment (represented by global warming potential “GWP”) for high-RAP mixtures including RAs, and (3) estimate the cost effectiveness of including high-RAP content in asphalt mixtures. Based on the RAP asphalt binder performance grade (PG), base asphalt binder PG, and RAP content, the RA contents were determined to achieve a target asphalt binder of PG 76-22. A control mixture was benchmarked for comparison, specified for high-traffic volume roads, and contained PG 76-22 polymer-modified asphalt binder. The engineering performance of studied asphalt mixtures was evaluated using the Hamburg wheel-tracking (HWT), semi-circular bend, Illinois flexibility index, Ideal cracking tolerance, and thermal stress-restrained specimen tensile strength tests. It was found that petroleum-derived aromatic oil, soy-based oil, and tall oil fatty acid-based RAs demonstrated a successful restoration of aged RAP asphalt binder without compromising the permanent deformation resistance. The 50% RAP mixtures emitted less GWP by 41% and 42.9% using petroleum- and bio-oil RAs, respectively, and achieved a 31% cost reduction compared to the control mixtures.

Influence of High RAP Content with Different Types of Fillers on HMA Resistance for Moisture Damage for Different Layers

Hot mix asphalt embedded on "Reclaimed asphalt pavement"(RAP) has the advantages of high technology. Moisture damage is a concern in these mixtures at all service temperatures. Therefore, the performance of this mixture against moisture at all service temperatures was considered a target of this research study. In this way, the effects of humidity on the performance of varieties were investigated using experimental methods including tensile strength ratio (TSR). In the framework of this study, Four different ratios of RAP for each of the surface and bonding layers (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) and (30,40,50,60)% were added to the hot asphalt mix (HMA) for the two layers respectively to study and find the content Optimal RAP for both layers RAP through Marshall stability and hygroscopic resistance of asphalt mixtures through moisture damage is examined. The ratio (TSR) of the mixtures containing the optimal RAP content is compared with the asphalt mixture without RAP for three fillers and for both layers. The results showed a slight decrease in the tensile strength of the (HMA) that does not contain RAP compared to the asphalt control mixtures containing the reclaimed pavement, where it was found that the percentages were slightly higher and still higher than 80%. The results indicate that in general, Although there are old materials in the hot asphalt mix (HMA) produced from RAP, which include aggregates and bitumen binder surrounding the aggregate particles, the performance of these mixtures and integrations against moisture damage. Because it contains this, it can have results with “hot asphalt mixtures” containing RAP for areas with damage without worry in addition to good natural curbs.

Advancing the performance characteristics of rubber asphalt mixtures through the integration of Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag: A focus on static and dynamic mechanical enhancements.

To investigate the advantageous effects of incorporating industrial solid waste basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag on the mechanical characteristics of warm-mixed rubber asphalt (WMRA) and hot-mixed rubber asphalt (HMRA) mixture, varying proportions of BOF slag were substituted for limestone coarse aggregates (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%). Additionally, a 1.5% dosage of Sasobit warm-mixed modifier was introduced to prepare the rubber asphalt. Subsequent to preparation, both static mechanical tests (including Marshall and indirect tensile tests) and dynamic mechanical tests (including dynamic creep and elastic modulus tests) were conducted to evaluate the influence of BOF slag on the mechanical behavior of WMRA and HMRA mixtures across different substitution levels. Following testing, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to dissect the impact of BOF slag content and Sasobit warm-mixed modifier on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the rubber asphalt mixtures. The findings reveal that BOF slag exhibits commendable engineering aggregate properties, enabling substantial substitution of coarse aggregates in both HMRA and WMRA mixtures. As the proportion of BOF slag increases, it enhances the resistance of asphalt mixtures to permanent deformation and cracking under static and dynamic loading conditions, while broadening the range of elastic deformation for both WMRA and HMRA mixtures subjected to repeated loading. Moreover, a synergistic enhancement in the resistance of rubber asphalt mixtures to dynamic load-induced deformation is observed when employing both BOF slag and Sasobit warm-mixed modifier. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing the performance of WMRA and HMRA mixtures, as well as broadening the utilization of BOF slag and waste rubber.

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.

A novel environmentally-friendly filler of the asphalt mastic: Organic modified waste shells

The shell farming industry generates significant waste shells annually, often improperly disposed of, causing environmental pollution. Concurrently, pavement engineering faces a shortage of limestone resources. Utilizing waste shells as a substitute for limestone fillers could simultaneously address both environmental and resource challenges. To analyze the feasibility of this strategy, this work collected the mussel, pectinid, oncomelania and oyster as the raw materials, and the method of organic modification was adopted on these shells to enhance the compatibility between the filler and asphalt. Asphalt. The physical and rheological properties of the prepared asphalt mastics were evaluated, and the modification effect was determined by the contact angle test and the surface energy parameters. Results indicated that the asphalt mastics with modified shells had higher penetration and ductility while lower softening point compared to the mastics with unmodified shells. Moreover, the modification with aluminate coupling agent had more significant impact on the physical properties of the asphalt mastics than that using amino silicone oil. For the rheological properties, shell asphalt mastics exhibited an extremely complex rheological behavior due to the various polarity and the organic content of the shell fillers. Besides, the contact angle of the shells increased after the modification, implying a better compatibility with asphalt. Moreover, the results of the surface energy parameters indicated that the non-polar component of the shells increased obvious after modification. In comparison with the conventional limestone, it can be found that the modified shells enhanced the adhesion between the aggregates and the asphalt mastics, which can improve the resistance of asphalt mixture to water damage. This work verifies the feasibility to replace the conventional mineral filler with modified shell filler, which was beneficial to recycling the waste shell and reducing the consumption of non-renewable mineral resources.

Development of a cyclic semi-circular bending test protocol to characterize fatigue cracking of asphalt mixture at intermediate temperature

The Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) test has been traditionally conducted in a monotonic loading and displacement-controlled mode at intermediate temperature to assess the fatigue crack resistance of asphalt mixtures. However, fatigue damage is essentially deterioration in material integrity as a result of repeated loading. The SCB monotonic loading does not realistically reflect the traffic loading repetition. This may have limitation on mechanism of the fatigue cracking in asphalt mixture. This study aims to develop a cyclic SCB test protocol to characterize the fatigue cracking of asphalt mixtures. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was utilized to identify crack length associated with the number of loading cycles applied. A full factorial design was conducted for the optimization of testing parameters of the cyclic SCB test, including three levels of notch depth and loading frequency. Two indicators including the number of cycles to failure and Paris’ Law coefficients were used to characterize the fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixture. The proposed test protocol of cyclic SCB was validated by three asphalt mixtures of good, medium, and poor cracking performance. The critical strain energy release rate Jc of three mixtures is also measured by the monotonic SCB test for studying the relationship between Jc and Paris’ Law coefficients. The results indicate that Paris’ Law coefficients have relatively low variance compared to the number of cycles to failure and are independent of notch depth and loading frequency. The optimal testing parameter combination of 25 mm notch depth and 10 Hz loading frequency was recommended in perspective of test variance and test practicability. The Paris Law coefficient n ranking was consistent with the one of fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures evaluated.

Research on Improving Moisture Resistance of Asphalt Mixture with Compounded Recycled Metallurgical Slag Powders.

The utilization of steel slag as an alternative material in asphalt mixtures is considered the solution to the problem of the shortage of natural aggregates. However, asphalt mixtures with steel slag show susceptibility to damage caused by moisture, especially in powder form. Therefore, blast furnace slag powders were used to compound with steel slag powders as fillers to improve the moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures. The characteristics of the steel slag powders and blast furnace slag powders were investigated initially. Subsequently, the adhesion properties of the asphalt mastics with the powders to the aggregates were evaluated. Finally, the moisture resistances of the asphalt mixtures were identified. The results indicate that the steel slag powder exhibited a notable prevalence of surface pores, which had a more uniform size distribution. In contrast, the blast furnace slag powder exhibited a greater average pore size. The larger specific surface area of the steel slag powder was over 30% larger than that of the blast furnace slag powder, and the superior gelling activity of the blast furnace powder enhanced the adhesion property. Both the steel slag powder and blast furnace slag powder were found to enhance the adhesion properties of the asphalt mastics, while the effect of the steel slag powder was more pronounced, the maximum force difference of which exceeded 200 N. The antagonistic effect of the steel slag powder and blast furnace slag powder on the resistance of the adhesive interface to moisture damage was confirmed by the contact angle test. The incorporation of the blast furnace slag powder markedly enhanced the moisture resistances of the asphalt mixtures. The phenomenon of dynamic moisture damage to the asphalt mixtures was more pronounced under the multicycle times, obviously severer than that in a stable water environment. As the dynamic moisture cycles increased, the degree of destruction gradually approached a steady state.

The Impacts of Red Mud on Road Performance and Aging Resistance of Asphalt Mixture

Abstract Red mud as an asphalt modifier has been investigated in some studies, but few studies are further concerned about the effect of red mud on performance of asphalt mixture. In this study, the impact of red mud on road performance and aging endurance of asphalt mixtures was evaluated. Primarily, the optimal asphalt content was determined based on mechanical strength and volumetric properties. Then, the performance evaluations, including Marshall stability, low-temperature splitting, freeze-thaw splitting, indirect tensile fatigue, and thermal-oxidative aging, were executed. The outcomes demonstrate that in comparison with the base asphalt mixture, red mud asphalt mixture exhibits worse high-temperature stability and moisture resistance, and superior temperature shrinkage cracking resistance and fatigue performance. After the surface of red mud has been modified, the adhesion between asphalt mastics and aggregate is strengthened, and the distribution of red mud in asphalt mixture becomes more uniform, which intensifies the rigidity and road performance (except for low-temperature cracking resistance) of asphalt mixture. Furthermore, since red mud absorbs a portion of asphalt content, it can hinder the physical hardening and oxidation rate of asphalt mixture. The anti-aging ability of asphalt mixture is further reinforced by the incorporation of organic red mud.

Effects of warm-mix additives, anti stripping agent, and graphene nanoplatelet on the cracking resistance, moisture susceptibility, and cost effectiveness of stone mastic asphalt

Moisture and cracking damages are two of the most common asphalt pavement distresses in the United States. The use of stone matrix asphalt mixture has gained popularity due to its high durability, resistance to permanent deformation and cracking, and reduced noise pollution. Warm-mix additives and nanomaterials have also gained significant interest as promising asphalt binder additives. In order to achieve enhanced resistance to moisture and cracking in extremely wet regions, this study investigated the effects of three warm-mix additives, an anti-stripping agent, and one nanomaterial (graphene nanoplatelet) on the cracking and moisture resistance performance of stone matrix asphalt. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and sessile drop tests were used to evaluate the functional groups and moisture susceptibility of the modified asphalt binder blends, respectively. The indirect tensile asphalt cracking test and the modified Lottman tests were used to evaluate the mixtures' resistance to cracking and stripping damage. A cost-effectiveness analysis as well as a two-dimensional performance interaction diagram were employed based on the laboratory performance of the mixtures. Results indicated that the graphene nanoplatelet modification of the asphalt binder had the highest wettability potential, adhesion, and debonding properties, as well as moisture resistance potential compared to other additives. In terms of mixture cracking performance, both the graphene nanoplatelet and a chemical warm-mix asphalt significantly improved the mix cracking performance by 34.1 and 30.0 %, respectively, compared to the control mix. However, the graphene nanoplatelet modification had a tensile strength ratio of 0.76, which is below the acceptance threshold of 0.80 set by AASHTO T 283 for moisture damage resistance of asphalt mixture. Overall, all mixtures with warm-mix additives showed adequate cracking and stripping damage resistance performance and are expected to be cost-effective.

Enhancing low-temperature crack resistance: A method for establishing meso-models and evaluating steel fiber-reinforced hot recycled asphalt mixtures

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in utilizing fibers to improve the crack resistance of asphalt mixtures. However, the examination of steel fiber’s impact on the crack resistance mechanism of hot recycled asphalt mixture remains limited. Steel fibers, characterized by its high strength, toughness, and robust self-healing properties, presents a promising avenue for enhancing the low-temperature performance of hot recycled asphalt mixture. This study investigates the macro- and micro-mechanisms underlying the low-temperature crack resistance of steel fiber-reinforced hot recycled asphalt mixture, to address significant deficiencies in their crack resistance at low temperatures. Five different schemes of steel fiber content (0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 %, 0.4 %, and 0.5 %) were examined, and a three-dimensional numerical model of semi-circular bending (SCB) was constructed utilizing PFC3D (three-dimensional particle flow software). By converting and calibrating macro and micro parameters, meso parameters were defined within the model, yielding SCB simulation results for AC-16 and SMA-16 steel fiber hot recycled asphalt mixture. To evaluate the influence of steel fiber content on the low-temperature crack resistance of the hot recycled asphalt mixtures, fracture energy (Gf), crack resistance index (CRI), and balanced cracking index (BCI) were introduced as evaluation criteria. The simulation outcomes affirm that the disparity between the results of the three-dimensional virtual strength test and those of the indoor strength test remains within 6 %, thus validating the model’s viability. Notably, the failure cracks observed in AC-16 and SMA-16 hot recycled asphalt mixtures predominantly manifest at the interface between the asphalt mortar and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). After the addition of steel fibers to these mixtures, the fracture energy (Gf) peaks at a steel fiber content of 0.3 %, showing increases of 41.46 % for AC-16 and 32.38 % for SMA-16, respectively. The optimal steel fiber content for both AC-16 and SMA-16 hot recycled asphalt mixtures, as determined by CRI and BCI, was found to be 0.3 %. Beyond the threshold of 0.3 %, the crack resistance diminishes. These findings may enhance the cracking performance of hot recycled asphalt mixture.

Investigating the Influence of Mineral Fillers at Australian Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract It is commonly known that mineral fillers significantly affect the asphalt mixture's performance. Superior flexible pavement performance can be ensured by gaining a deeper understanding of the function of filler. This research investigates the influence of three different fillers: granite dust, cement, and hydrated lime, at Australian asphalt mixtures. The testing program includes Marshall testing, moisture damage resistance, indirect tensile strength (ITS), and indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM) tests of asphalt mixtures. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically assess the results obtained, besides damage analysis. The results indicate that using natural granite dust yields the highest resistance to moisture, while cement produces the highest stability, ITS, and ITSM. Unexpectedly, using hydrated lime filler decreases the stability/stiffness and moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures. ANOVA tests indicate that the type of filler affects ITS, TSR, and ITSM results (i.e., the p-value <0.05). The damage analysis shows that the design life of the asphalt mixture made with cement filler is higher than that of mixtures made with natural granite dust and hydrated lime fillers respectively. The findings indicate the important role of nontraditional fillers at the performance of Australian asphalt mixtures.

Effects of a Complex Environment on Fatigue and Self-Healing Characterization of Asphalt Composites Containing Rock Asphalt.

In recent years, asphalt pavement has been subjected to varied environmental conditions during its service life, conditions that predispose it to deformation and cracking. To enhance the performance of asphalt pavement, rock asphalt has been selected as a modifier due to its good compatibility with virgin asphalt binder and its ability to improve the fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. Although scholars have conducted some studies on rock asphalt mixtures, research on the fatigue and self-healing performance of these mixtures under conditions such as ultraviolet (UV) aging and freeze-thaw remains limited. This paper presents findings from a study that employs a combined fatigue-healing test to assess the impact of such complex environmental factors on the fatigue and self-healing properties of fine aggregate matrix (FAM) mixtures containing three types of rock asphalts, i.e., Buton, Qingchuan (QC), and Uintaite Modifier (UM). The analysis of fatigue-healing test results, grounded in viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) theory, indicates that rock asphalt can extend the fatigue life of FAM mixtures, albeit with a concomitant decrease in their self-healing capabilities. The study further reveals that UV aging, freeze-thaw, and UV aging-freeze-thaw conditions all led to a diminution in the fatigue and self-healing properties of FAM mixtures. However, FAM mixtures containing rock asphalt demonstrated greater resilience against these reductions. Atomic force microscope (AFM) results indicate that UV aging reduced the number of bee-structures and enlarged their area, whereas the incorporation of rock asphalt enhanced the uniformity of these structures' distribution, thereby improving the fatigue cracking resistance of FAM mixtures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that while UV aging increased the carbonyl and sulfoxide indices within the asphalt binder, rock asphalt is effective in mitigating this effect to a certain degree, thereby enhancing the aging resistance of FAM mixtures.