Rutting Resistance Ability Related to Asphalt-Aggregate Bonding Based on Surface Energy Analysis

The cohesive and adhesive bond strength of the asphalt-aggregate system, sensitive to environment temperature, will impact asphalt pavement rutting resistance. This paper used the Whihelmy plate method to test the change process of surface free energy of AH70 asphalt and SBS modified asphalt in the range of 20 to 70 Centigrade. Surface free energy of aggregates was measured by contact angle meter. The results show that the surface energy decreased as temperature increased. When the temperature exceeds the asphalt binder softening point, the adhesion bonding of asphalt-aggregate will reduce. The adhesion between asphalt and limestone or basalt is higher than that between asphalt and diabase or sandstone. By analyzing the correlation of surface energy parameters and dynamic stability of the six type asphalt mixture, a linear correspondence between the surface energy at 60 centigrade and rutting resistance is derived. This research may provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of selecting asphalt and aggregate and rutting preventive maintenance.