Assessing an Asphalt Mixture’s Self-Healing with Microwave Induction for Enhanced Durability and Structural Restoration

Abstract

This work examines the effect of temperature on the self-healing of asphalt mixture, and various laboratory tests were performed to find out qualitative and quantitative properties of asphalt material. Asphalt fatigue life and bending strength were determined using a three-point bending test and a four-point beam fatigue test. Test specimens were heated at various temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C for various periods, including the 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 s. The strength recovery ratios at temperatures 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C were 7%, 30%, 36%, 40%, 45%, respectively. The maximum healing index values for bitumen with penetration grades of 60/70 and 80/100 were 0.4 and 0.5 at temperatures between 37°C and 40°C. A 60 s period was chosen as the ideal period for achieving the highest recovery ratio for both bitumen specimens. It was observed that critical factor affecting the asphalt’s capacity for self-healing is temperature, and the maximum healing index was found at temperatures between 37°C and 40°C.