Assessing an Asphalt Mixture's Self-Healing with Microwave Induction for Enhanced Durability and Structural Restoration

This work examines the effect of temperature on the self-healing of asphalt mixture, and various laboratory tests were performed to find out qualitative and quantitative properties of asphalt material. Asphalt fatigue life and bending strength were determined using a three-point bending test and a four-point beam fatigue test. Test specimens were heated at various temperatures ranging from 20 degrees C to 40 degrees C for various periods, including the 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 s. The strength recovery ratios at temperatures 20 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 35 degrees C, 40 degrees C were 7%, 30%, 36%, 40%, 45%, respectively. The maximum healing index values for bitumen with penetration grades of 60/70 and 80/100 were 0.4 and 0.5 at temperatures between 37 degrees C and 40 degrees C. A 60 s period was chosen as the ideal period for achieving the highest recovery ratio for both bitumen specimens. It was observed that critical factor affecting the asphalt's capacity for self-healing is temperature, and the maximum healing index was found at temperatures between 37 degrees C and 40 degrees C.