Suitable Ultra-Thin Asphalt Binder Achieved the Energy Equilibrium

Abstract

The tensile behaviour of asphalt binder films confined between aggregate particles as an adhesive was investigated to evaluate the direct adhesion bond between asphalt binder and surface of aggregate utilizing several laboratory experiments. The results were interrogated in terms of the mechanical, chemical and surface free energy theories. The preformed tests include dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), sessile drop and direct tension tests. The experimental results demonstrated a strong relationship between the internal work represented by bond energy and the external work represented by the practical work required to fracture from the direct tension test that can be used to estimate asphalt binder-aggregate combinations performance. A simulation for the adhesion behaviour using a static model in terms of external work and internal work to predict the suitable asphalt binder thickness required to prevent fatigue and rutting failures was proposed as a new design criterion for asphalt pavement. Keywords: Internal and external bonding work, asphalt binder, SFE, fracture work, direct tension test, DSR.