Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior

In this study, the road performance of high-modulus asphalt materials and their modification mechanism are systematically analyzed, aiming to achieve a balance between rutting resistance and cracking resistance. The modified composite asphalt materials are prepared using seven high-modulus modifiers...

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Main Authors: Mengqi Jing, Beibei Zhang, Haihai Zhuang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-12-01
Series:Case Studies in Construction Materials
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525008599
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author Mengqi Jing
Beibei Zhang
Haihai Zhuang
author_facet Mengqi Jing
Beibei Zhang
Haihai Zhuang
author_sort Mengqi Jing
collection DOAJ
description In this study, the road performance of high-modulus asphalt materials and their modification mechanism are systematically analyzed, aiming to achieve a balance between rutting resistance and cracking resistance. The modified composite asphalt materials are prepared using seven high-modulus modifiers(PRM,PRS,KPL, AFKCPT, AFKCZQ, RK300.3–1, RK300.3–2), and their performance is analyzed and compared against matrix asphalt (MA), rubber-modified asphalt (RMA), and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt. A multi-scale rheological evaluation system is adopted to assess the damage accumulation rate through linear amplitude scanning (LAS) tests, while large amplitude oscillation scanning test (LAOS) tests are used to characterize the structural response under large strain conditions. Additionally, a combination of pure linear amplitude scanning (PLAS) and Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter tests is used to predict the cracking behavior of the high-modulus asphalt from a rheological perspective. Further, the cracking resistance evolution of the material is analyzed using three fracture-related methods: binder fracture energy (BFE), double-edged notched tensile (DENT), and improved direct tensile (DT) tests. The results reveal that high-modulus modification significantly improves the asphalt’s resistance to high-temperature deformation resistance but compromises its low-temperature ductility. Compared with the traditional asphalt materials, high-modulus asphalt exhibits a notably higher damage accumulation rate, which adversely affects its cracking resistance. Under large strain conditions, the interactions within the molecular network of high-modulus asphalt weaken, making its structure more prone to damage. Furthermore, high-modulus asphalt lacks sufficient flexibility and relaxation capability, resulting in a heightened risk of cracking. At lower temperatures, its becomes harder and more brittle, and traditional fracture toughness measures fail to accurately reflect its fracture properties. The three fracture test indices show a significant correlation with the surface energy parameters, confirming the dominant role of interfacial adhesion in determining the failure modes of the material. The multi-indicator evaluation system developed in this study offers essential technical support for designing high-modulus asphalt mixtures and holds significant engineering value for extending the service life of heavy-duty pavements.
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spelling doaj-art-0cd09f0c1ff84198a32d6d04b308f4ba2025-08-20T02:50:33ZengElsevierCase Studies in Construction Materials2214-50952025-12-0123e0506110.1016/j.cscm.2025.e05061Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behaviorMengqi Jing0Beibei Zhang1Haihai Zhuang2Shaanxi Agricultural Development Group CO, Xi-an 710075, ChinaShaanxi Agricultural Development Group CO, Xi-an 710075, ChinaCorresponding author.; Shaanxi Agricultural Development Group CO, Xi-an 710075, ChinaIn this study, the road performance of high-modulus asphalt materials and their modification mechanism are systematically analyzed, aiming to achieve a balance between rutting resistance and cracking resistance. The modified composite asphalt materials are prepared using seven high-modulus modifiers(PRM,PRS,KPL, AFKCPT, AFKCZQ, RK300.3–1, RK300.3–2), and their performance is analyzed and compared against matrix asphalt (MA), rubber-modified asphalt (RMA), and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt. A multi-scale rheological evaluation system is adopted to assess the damage accumulation rate through linear amplitude scanning (LAS) tests, while large amplitude oscillation scanning test (LAOS) tests are used to characterize the structural response under large strain conditions. Additionally, a combination of pure linear amplitude scanning (PLAS) and Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter tests is used to predict the cracking behavior of the high-modulus asphalt from a rheological perspective. Further, the cracking resistance evolution of the material is analyzed using three fracture-related methods: binder fracture energy (BFE), double-edged notched tensile (DENT), and improved direct tensile (DT) tests. The results reveal that high-modulus modification significantly improves the asphalt’s resistance to high-temperature deformation resistance but compromises its low-temperature ductility. Compared with the traditional asphalt materials, high-modulus asphalt exhibits a notably higher damage accumulation rate, which adversely affects its cracking resistance. Under large strain conditions, the interactions within the molecular network of high-modulus asphalt weaken, making its structure more prone to damage. Furthermore, high-modulus asphalt lacks sufficient flexibility and relaxation capability, resulting in a heightened risk of cracking. At lower temperatures, its becomes harder and more brittle, and traditional fracture toughness measures fail to accurately reflect its fracture properties. The three fracture test indices show a significant correlation with the surface energy parameters, confirming the dominant role of interfacial adhesion in determining the failure modes of the material. The multi-indicator evaluation system developed in this study offers essential technical support for designing high-modulus asphalt mixtures and holds significant engineering value for extending the service life of heavy-duty pavements.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525008599High-modulus asphaltFracture propertiesRheologyFracture mechanicsPerformance mechanisms
spellingShingle Mengqi Jing
Beibei Zhang
Haihai Zhuang
Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
Case Studies in Construction Materials
High-modulus asphalt
Fracture properties
Rheology
Fracture mechanics
Performance mechanisms
title Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
title_full Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
title_fullStr Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
title_full_unstemmed Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
title_short Study on the performance of high-modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
title_sort study on the performance of high modulus asphalt based on rheological properties and cracking behavior
topic High-modulus asphalt
Fracture properties
Rheology
Fracture mechanics
Performance mechanisms
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525008599
work_keys_str_mv AT mengqijing studyontheperformanceofhighmodulusasphaltbasedonrheologicalpropertiesandcrackingbehavior
AT beibeizhang studyontheperformanceofhighmodulusasphaltbasedonrheologicalpropertiesandcrackingbehavior
AT haihaizhuang studyontheperformanceofhighmodulusasphaltbasedonrheologicalpropertiesandcrackingbehavior