Multi-scale evaluation of the mechanical properties of asphalt mortar under different aging conditions

Since asphalt mortar is highly heterogeneous and occurs as an interfacial bonding material between the asphalt-binder and aggregate, it is very important to have a detailed and adequate understanding of its mechanical properties at a multi-scale (micro and macro) level analysis. In this study, the fundamental properties of the asphalt mortar were evaluated and quantified using molecular dynamic simulations. The tensile strength, stress-separation responses, and adhesive-bonding strength were numerically measured and characterised from a micro perspective. Other mechanical properties such as the complex modulus, low-temperature stiffness modulus, hardness, and elastic modulus were also experimentally measured to verify the dynamic simulations and modelling results. In comparison to the macro experimental test results, it was found that the micro-simulated results were superior in terms of characterising the mechanical properties of the asphalt mortar. Whilst the tensile strength, adhesive-bond strength, and hardness of the asphalt mortar changed significantly as a function of aging, the stress-separation responses and elastic modulus were hardly affected. Overall, the study findings indicated that multi-scale characterisation of the mechanical properties of asphalt mortar is a potentially promising methodology for quantitatively evaluating and understanding the mechanical properties.