Characterization of nanoscale cracking at the interface between virgin and aged asphalt binders based on molecular dynamics simulations

Yaphary, Yohannes L.; Leng, Zhen; Wang, Haopeng; Ren, Shisong; Lu, Guoyang

Abstract

Low-temperature cracking is a major concern to improve the utilization of recycled asphalt mixture (RAM). A mechanism by which the crack propagates can provide a basis for advanced technological mitigation. Micro-crack formations in the interfacial proximity of the virgin and aged binders have been identified from electron microscopy tests. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiment showed the trilayer phases at the virgin-aged binder interface. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to understand the nanoscopic crack propagation characteristics at the virgin-aged binder interface in the asphalt mixture with RAM. It was found that the blended binder of virgin and aged binders, and its interfaces with virgin and aged binders appeared to be the crack propagation zones. The relatively more significant matrix contraction of virgin binder and stiffer aged binder at a low temperature can cause more considerable tensile stress at the blended binder and its interfaces. Consequently, interfacial crack propagation became more profound and decreased the low-temperature cracking resistance.

Citation

Yaphary, Y. L., Leng, Z., Wang, H., Ren, S., & Lu, G. (2022). Characterization of nanoscale cracking at the interface between virgin and aged asphalt binders based on molecular dynamics simulations. Construction and Building Materials, 335, Article 127475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127475

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Apr 18, 2022
• Publication Date: Jun 13, 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 22, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 19, 2023
• Journal: Construction and Building Materials
• Print ISSN: 0950-0618
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 335
• Article Number: 127475
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127475
• Keywords: General Materials Science; Building and Construction; Civil and Structural Engineering
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/14031696
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061822011527?via%3Dihub