Application of image analysis tools in Matlab to better estimate the degree of binder coverage in rolling bottles test

Abstract

In asphalt mixture, a strong affinity between binder and aggregates is of prime importance, especially under conditions susceptible for moisture damage. To improve this affinity between binder and aggregates various additives and modifiers have been identified by the researchers across the globe. Among all the available additives or modifiers, hydrated lime has been reported as one of the best, which can be used to enhance the affinity between bitumen and aggregates. This study attempts to quantify the affinity of hydrated lime modified mastics with different aggregates under moisture conditions. Various techniques are available for the affinity assessment between binder and aggregates, with the rolling bottle test (RBT) reported as one of the best empirical techniques which is used worldwide.In the RBT test the assessment for affinity is made through visual inspection by two experienced operators as per a standard procedure which can also be the major drawback of this technique. An effort has been made to reduce this deficiency in the method and to make the RBT a more reliable and repeatable means of measuring the affinity between aggregate and binder in the presence of water. This has been done using image analysis techniques with no special setup, employing the Matlab program. The results after image analysis were compared to the results of visual observation and both were found to be very similar to each other. Hence the RBT can now be used confidently for the comparison of different binder/aggregate combinations. The beneficial effects of HL addition were clearly quantified with granite, basalt and greywacke aggregates, but limestone aggregates did not respond to the effect of HL addition when tested in the RBT. Based on the results of the RBT test, 10% HL substitution was found to be more efficient than a 20% HL substitution, which gave very similar results to 10% HL substitution in most of the studied combinations.

Experimental Study on the Physicochemical Properties of Asphalt Modified by Different Anti-Stripping Agents and Their Moisture Susceptibility with Aggregates

“…The area stripping rate is a measure of the change in the asphalt coating area on the loose mixture and characterizes the asphalt–aggregate interface adhesion. Images of the tested loose mixtures were taken in a well-lit environment and imported into Image J software to analyze the stripping area [ 41 , 44 ]. Figure 3 depicts the digital image processing.…”

Improvement of Warm-Mix Asphalt Concrete Performance with Lignin Obtained from Bioethanol Production from Forest Biomass Waste

“…The rolling procedure started, and the bitumen coverage on aggregate particles was evaluated at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of rolling time. As the visual estimation of the degree of bitumen coverage can be the major drawback of this test [59], a photo of each sample was taken, and the Image Processing Toolbox of the Matlab program (Matlab R2023a) was used to process them. It is noted that every photo was taken in the same conditions.…”

Evaluation of Adhesive Properties of Different Mineral Compositions in Asphalt Mixtures with Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Analyses

“…Adhesion tests between bitumen and aggregates, including static immersion tests, boiling water tests, and rolling-bottle tests that are applied in Germany, can quantitatively evaluate the adhesion between bitumen and aggregates [2][3][4][5]. These tests involve the creation of interface failure by artificially setting up a water environment.…”