A New Method for Designing Dense Skeleton Asphalt Mixture Based on Meso Parameter

Abstract

At present, research on the internal structures of asphalt mixtures has mostly focused on the statistical analysis of their mesostructural components such as aggregates, voids, and asphalt mortars, in addition to the verification of the mechanical behaviour of the mixture through simulations. Furthermore, the capacity of the research has not risen to a level where a design method to guide the design and optimisation of the asphalt mixture gradation has been formulated. After an in-depth analysis of the existing evaluation parameters and standards for the asphalt mixture skeleton, this study proposes a new method for precise designing a dense skeleton asphalt mixture (DSAM) based on meso parameter. e results indicate that the application of digital image processing (DIP) techniques to adjust the gradation increases the average coordination number (n c ) and reduces the ratio of the quantity of coarse aggregate without contact point to the total quantity of coarse aggregate (C value). is can effectively improve the meso parameters of the mixture so that the quality of the main skeleton is significantly enhanced; the process also has higher precision and demands less test work. VCA mix (IMAGE) ≤ VCA DRC and n c >1.6 while C < 20% can be used as qualitative and quantitative evaluation criterion for forming better main skeleton structure of coarse aggregate. e new method of designing a DSAM based on meso parameter is intuitive and convenient, which considerably reduces the blindness and tediousness in the design of the asphalt mixture gradation. e engineering example also proves that the asphalt mixture has an excellent pavement performance and verifies the feasibility of the proposed design method.

Investigation on the Micro Deformation Mechanism of Asphalt Mixtures under High Temperatures Based on a Self-Developed Laboratory Test

“…These two key sieve sizes of the Bailey method are consistent with the particle size with the largest CR value in the previous conclusion. The effectiveness of the CR index is verified, and the amount of 9.5-4.75 mm aggregate deserves special attention [47][48][49]. Figure 15, it is apparent that all particles possess x-axial displacement.…”

Review on Load Transfer Mechanisms of Asphalt Mixture Meso-Structure

“…For the laboratory test methods, the use of image acquisition and DIP to analyze the contact characteristics of asphalt mixtures is more accurate [ 8 , 17 , 37 ], but the test workload and expenses are large. Furthermore, the load transfer mechanism cannot be well characterized.…”

Effect of Material Composition on Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Asphalt Fine Aggregate Matrix at Low-Temperatures From Mesoscopic Perspective

“…Current researchers suggest that an asphalt mixture can be seen as a non-homogeneous multi-phase composite consisting of asphalt fine aggregate matrix (FAM), coarse aggregates, and voids at mesoscale (Wang et al, 2020;Han et al, 2021). Although the proportion of FAM in the mixture is relatively small, the FAM provides the necessary strength (Chuanfeng et al, 2017), fills the skeletal voids, provides internal bonding between the skeletons (Qian et al, 2016;Xing et al, 2021;Zhang et al, 2021), and known as a component in influencing the performance of the mixture (Shi et al, 2020). Therefore, the mechanical properties of FAM under different environmental conditions should be included to furtherly understand the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures.…”