CAREER: Characterization and Modeling of Asphalt Concrete for Moisture-Induced Damage

University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract: CMMI-: CMMI-0644047 Asphalt pavements are susceptible to moisture induced-damage, which is caused by moisture interaction with asphalt-aggregate bonds. Although moisture-induced damage in asphalt concrete has been studied for over 70 years, two very fundamental questions remain unanswered: Can the conditions that cause moisture-induced damage be accurately predicted? How can moisture-induced damage be mitigated? The foremost difficulty lies in the fact that the moisture interaction with asphalt-aggregate bonds is a phenomenon that occurs at the atomic or nano-scale level. This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) research and education proposal offers a novel approach to understanding and quantifying moisture interactions with asphalt-aggregate bonds at the nano-scale level, and relating these interactions to the moisture-induced damage at the Macro-scale level. The research objectives are to: capture microscopic images of the adhesive and cohesive forces in the asphalt-aggregate system under dry and wet conditions using an atomic force microscope (AFM), determine the microscopic work of adhesion from the AFM data; construct mathematical models and neural networks to determine the bond damage index from the microscopic work of adhesion; and conduct macro-scale testing and develop models to relate the bond damage index to the macro-scale moisture-induced damage in asphalt concrete. The broader impact of this study is that it may result in significant saving of financial and other resources that are currently used to combat pavement distresses originating from moisture-induced damages. The research activities proposed herein will be conducted through the research participation of graduate and undergraduate students. A summer educational event will be established that will focus on the participation of high school students. An advisory board consisting of individuals from academia, industries, government agencies and research institutions will be formed to ensure success of the proposed research, educational and outreach objectives.