Research on the Optimum Asphalt Film Thickness of Asphalt Mixtures and Its Influence on the Pavement Performance Based on the CT and Blaine Method

Abstract

The calculation method of asphalt film thickness was proposed by considering the specific surface area of coarse and fine aggregates [computed tomography (CT) and Blaine test methods] and the wrapping effect of fine particles (<0.075 mm) on the aggregates to investigate the optimal asphalt dosage of asphalt mixtures. The effect of asphalt film thickness on the pavement performance of asphalt mixtures was studied. The optimal asphalt film thickness determination method for asphalt mixtures is proposed based on the pavement performance. The study shows that the asphalt film thickness of 4.4 μm has the best high-temperature performance. The higher the asphalt film thickness, the better its low-temperature performance, water stability, and fatigue performance. The optimal asphalt film thickness is selected according to the performance requirements of the asphalt mixture in different structural layers and environmental conditions.