Influence of Microwave Radiation on Healing Efficiency of Steel Fiber Modified Asphalt Mixture

Abstract

Self-healing ability of asphalt can help it to recover the damage incurred during service life. Due to short rest periods available between traffic, there is a need to use a high temperature method considering limited time frame to achieve better healing of asphalt pavements. Thus, it will uses of microwave radiation technology to improve the limited self-healing ability of roads and enhance its service life. The reason of this research is to find the microwave absorption properties of steel fiber and the effect on road performance of its inclusion. The surface texture and morphology of steel fiber will be studied using SEM. The mechanical tests will be performed on steel fiber modified asphalt mixtures incorporating 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% steel fiber by total volume of bitumen. It is expected that steel fiber will and improve moisture susceptibility of steel fiber reinforced asphalt mixture. Suitable percentage will be delineated to balance pros and cons of steel fiber incorporation in asphalt mixture. Furthermore, the healing ability of steel fiber will be quantified using a 3-Point bending test. Microwave radiated samples will be tested with multiple microwave healing cycles to establish a relationship between heating time, fiber percentage and healing efficiency. In general, the superior mechanical and microwave absorption capabilities of steel fiber may be used to enhance the sustainability of asphalt mixes including steel fiber.