Using Microcapsules and Bacteria for Self-Healing in Rigid and Flexible Pavements

Abstract

Cracking is one of the most critical distresses experienced by pavement infrastructure. Both flexible and rigid pavement cracking allow for water intrusion, which can in turn cause freeze–thaw damage and structural issues, causing premature failure. In addition, rigid pavements suffer from corrosion of reinforcing steel, which impedes the ability of the steel to resist deformation of the surface layer. One proposed technology to mitigate such cracking is the engineering of self-healing materials in pavements that can autogenously heal damage at the microscale. However, these technologies are not yet widely implemented, due to various practical issues. The following report provides a comprehensive literature review, preliminary evaluation of self-healing technology in asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete, and future steps that can be taken to advance these technologies.

Backcalculation of Asphalt Concrete Poisson's Ratio using the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

“…It is important to highlight that critical responses, such as the horizontal strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer, are fundamental inputs for pavement design. This is especially important in the context of this study, which is part of a larger effort to update the flexible pavement design procedures in Illinois [40]. For this analysis, a layered elastic system of a full-depth asphalt pavement (typical for Illinois), with an asphalt concrete layer of 25.4 cm over a semi-infinite soil subgrade (34.5 MPa modulus and 0.45 PR) was assumed.…”