Use of imaging techniques for viewing the internal structure of rubberised asphalt mixtures

Abstract

This paper presents the application of different imaging techniques for viewing the internal structure of rubberized asphalt mixture as road materials. Two imaging techniques were used to capture the internal structure images of its compacted samples i.e. X-ray Computed Tomography (non-destructive method) and Scanning Electron Microscope, SEM (destructive method). Since a lot of previous researchers have produced extensive works on the mechanical properties, therefore, this study is an attempt to introduce the microstructure of rubberized asphalt mixtures produced using dry process method. Two types of dry mixed rubberized asphalt mixture were prepared by modifying a Hot Rolled Asphalt Mixture (HRA 60/20) with different crumb rubber sizes. A mixture of conventional HRA 60/20 was also scanned for comparison. The illustrations are aimed to provide the researchers more information regarding their internal structure distribution.Keywords: Imaging techniques, X-ray Computed Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscope, Rubberised Asphalt Mixture.