Innovative methods for quantifying the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Moisture damage in asphalt mixtures can cause early cracking and rutting failures due to the internal damage accumulated by the high internal pore pressures created at the aggregate-binder interface and/or within the binder phase by heavy traffic loads. Tensile strength ratio (TSR) test results have not been effective indicators of moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixtures. Therefore, a reliable moisture conditioning method and moisture susceptibility test need to be developed and implemented to determine the possible long-term impact of several new additive technologies on pavement longevity. In this study, different tests and conditioning methods for moisture susceptibility quantification of asphalt mixtures were evaluated, and a new test method incorporating a color measuring device was also developed that could identify the impact of different anti-stripping agents and warm-mix additives on moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. Results indicated that the moisture-induced stress tester (MIST) conditioned and vacuum conditioned samples showed similar susceptibility towards rutting and moisture. Moreover, the CT-index parameter was not found to correlate with the moisture susceptibility of the mixes. Based on the results of the laboratory investigations, this study recommends the use of a colorimeter in conjunction with the current TSR method to determine the adhesion and cohesion-related moisture susceptibility. • Colorimeter readings on fractured IDT samples quantify moisture susceptibility of mix. • CT-index parameter does not correlate with the moisture resistance of asphalt mixes. • HWTT is a reliable rutting test but not a recommended moisture susceptibility test.
Authors: Vikas Kumar, Erdem Coleri, Ihsan Obaid
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409178336