Influence of Microcrack Healing Techniques on Tensile Strength of Asphalt

Abstract

Asphalt concrete pavement practices repeated loading and environmental impacts and suffers distresses. Microcracks usually occurs at early stage of pavement life while the pavement can heal itself under controlled conditions. Microcrack healing process can be controlled and accelerated using various techniques. In this investigation, iron filling was implemented as partial substitute of sand to support the healing process while both induction and external heating techniques were adopted to control the healing using microwave and oven. Asphalt concrete specimens have been prepared with different percentages of iron filling and the corresponding required asphalt content. Specimens were subjected to repeated indirect tensile stresses for 600 and 1200 load repetitions. Specimens were allowed to heal using microwave and oven heating techniques. Specimens were subjected to another cycle of stress repetitions and the variation in the indirect tensile strength was detected before and after healing. The healing performance of the asphalt mixture specimens at different healing conditions was investigated by observing and testing the recovery of indirect tensile strength after healing. It was concluded that implementation of iron filling and induction heating by microwave can improve the healing and tensile properties of asphalt concrete as compared to the oven heating technique.