Development and optimization of sustainable asphalt self-healing systems for SMA mix

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Shi Xu (TU Delft - Materials and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology)

Amir Tabaković (Grimes & O′Connor, University College Dublin)

Alan Lynch (Arup Limited, Ireland)

Peter Recordon (Student TU Delft)

Xueyan Liu (TU Delft - Pavement Engineering)

Ciaran Collier (Roadstone Ltd)

Edward Winterlich (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)

Erik Schlangen (TU Delft - Materials and Environment)

Research Group
Pavement Engineering
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.143054
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Pavement Engineering
Volume number
492
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Abstract

The concept of self-healing asphalt has been developed to implement an extrinsic crack repair system, reduce maintenance efforts, and extend the service life of asphalt pavements. Various self-healing asphalt methods have been proposed and demonstrated, however, it is difficult to compare and finalize an optimum self-healing design for an upscaled application. To provide a better understanding of the prospects of each self-healing technology, this study investigates the physical properties and ranks the healing efficiency of each self-healing asphalt technology. Four self-healing systems were investigated, including alginate capsule system, conductive alginate capsule system, induction system, and a hybrid system (alginate capsule & induction). Laboratory tests, including Indirect Tensile test (ITT), Water Sensitivity test (WS), Binder Drainage test (BD), Triaxial test, and Semi-circular Bending test (SCB), were conducted to assess the physical performance of the asphalt mixtures. The healing efficiency of each mix was evaluated with a SCB bending and healing program. The results indicate that the addition of self-healing additives affects the physical properties of the SMA mix. The capsules reduce the mixture strength, stiffness and high-temperature stability, while the steel fibers have the opposite effect. The healing efficiency results show that the capsule healing system and conductive capsule healing system can be repeated twice, while the induction system and hybrid healing system showed a healing index above 60 % in all eight bending-healing cycles, demonstrating a promising and durable healing effect for the SMA mix.