Study on Adhesion Model and Moisture Damage Model of Asphalt Mixture Based on Surface Energy Theory

Moisture damage is a key factor in the deterioration of the asphalt pavement, which seriously affects the length of lifetime and the level of service. This failure can be adhesive occurring at the asphalt-aggregate interface or cohesive occurring within the matrix (asphalt binder plus mineral filler). Therefore, the knowledge of the surface properties will help a great deal in understanding the adhesive properties of the asphalt mixture. Adhesion model and moisture damage model of asphalt mixture are presented based on surface and interface theory. Using the capillary rise method and the Sessile drop method, surface energy parameters of aggregate and asphalt are determined respectively. The four combination systems with two types aggregate and two types asphalt are analyzed in the paper. The results obtained showed that limestone had a higher surface energy and a better water resistance compared to granite. The asphalt mixture composed of limestone has better adhesion performance and lower moisture susceptibility.