Analysis of Fatigue and Healing Properties of Conventional Bitumen and Bio-Binder for Road Pavements

Abstract

The analysis of fatigue behavior of bituminous binders is a complex issue due to several time-temperature dependent phenomena which interact simultaneously, such as damage accumulation, viscoelasticity, thixotropy, and healing. The present research involves rheological measurements aimed at evaluating the fatigue behavior and compares the self-healing capability of two plain bitumen and a bio-binder obtained by partially replacing one of the plain bitumen with a renewable bio-oil. Healing potential was assessed by means of an experimental approach previously implemented for modified bitumen and bituminous mastic and based on the use of a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The effects of some variables such as bitumen type, bio-oil addition, and aging on the healing potential of binders were taken into account. Results showed that the above-mentioned method for healing analysis is also suitable for conventional and bio-add binders. Outcomes of the experimental investigation highlight that fatigue and self-healing are mainly dependent on binder consistency and also affected by aging. Finally, the addition of bio-oil may induce even better performances in terms of healing potential compared to conventional bitumen, especially in aged condition.

Performance Assessment of Asphalt Mixture Produced with a Bio-Based Binder

“…This finding is consistent with other research studies, according to which fatigue life of AC containing bio-binders can even be improved [15,17]. Moreover, the results obtained in this study on AC mixes are in agreement with those found in previous studies focused exclusively on the binder phase [9,10] that showed comparable fatigue life for both the bio-binder and the reference bitumen.…”

“…Some research works have been conducted on performance evaluation of bio-binders from a chemical, morphological and rheological point of view. Specifically, several studies with a focus on the healing potential, fatigue behavior, as well as aging properties, demonstrated promising results, highlighting no compromising behavior or particular drawbacks and, in some cases, improved response as well [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Therefore, on the basis of previous investigations of performance comparison between a bio-binder and a reference conventional bitumen having similar consistency [ 9 , 20 ], this study aims at evaluating the effects of such bio-binders on the behavior of an asphalt mixture. To this end, a mechanical characterization was carried out on the asphalt mixture in terms of indirect tensile strength, indirect tensile stiffness modulus, fatigue (i.e., resistance to cyclic loading), resistance to fracture and permanent deformation.…”

Special Issue: Characterization of Innovative Asphalt Materials for Use in Pavement Design and Analysis

“…Twenty universities and scientific centres contributed with their original research papers to this Special Issue of Materials . The issues covered can be divided into five main topics: Characterization of recycled materials in asphalt concrete mixtures, such as waste of sanitary ceramics [ 23 ], crumb rubber (CR) from waste tires [ 24 , 25 , 26 ] and reclaimed asphalt (RA) [ 27 , 28 ]; Investigation of natural [ 28 ] or bio-based [ 29 ] materials used as rejuvenators in recycled asphalt applications; Study of rheological and fatigue behaviour of bituminous materials with [ 30 ] and without [ 31 ] the use of renewable bio-materials; Evaluation of lubricant characteristics of graphite nanoplatelets [ 32 ]; Fatigue life prediction model for materials employed on long-span steel bridge decks [ 33 ]. …”

“…Study of rheological and fatigue behaviour of bituminous materials with [ 30 ] and without [ 31 ] the use of renewable bio-materials;…”