Assessment and Modeling of Aging Effect on Asphalt Material Dynamic-Mechanical Properties

Abstract In this study, the effects of progressive aging on the dynamic-mechanical characteristics of asphalt and asphalt concrete were assessed and evaluated. Field-collected asphalt-aggregate mixture was used to prepare asphalt concrete test specimens. These specimens were then subjected to five aging levels and tested for dynamic-mechanical properties in the laboratory. Results showed that the dynamic-mechanical characteristics of asphalt concrete are significantly affected by progressive aging. In addition, aged asphalt binders that corresponded to the asphalt concrete samples aged at various aging levels were tested for complex shear modulus using a dynamic shear rheometer. A significant effect of progressive aging on the complex shear modulus and viscosity of the binder was observed. A detailed assessment showed that even though the mechanical behavior of asphalt binder significantly changes because of aging, the corresponding asphalt concrete sample does not necessarily show similar change in its behaviors. Finally, this study developed an approach to estimate the dynamic-mechanical characteristics of the aged asphaltic materials. Using this approach, it may be possible to predict the mechanical behaviors of aged asphalt concrete and binder. It is hoped that the developed approach can be useful for advanced modeling of asphalt pavements.