Field-Validated Aging Protocols for Paving Binders Using Chemo-Rheological and Data-Driven Analysis
S. Khalighi (TU Delft - Pavement Engineering)
A. Varveri – Promotor (TU Delft - Pavement Engineering)
S.M.J.G. Erkens – Promotor (TU Delft - Pavement Engineering)
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Abstract
Road networks are a cornerstone of transportation infrastructure, yet their long-term performance is severely challenged by a complex phenomenon known as aging. The aging of bituminous binders, a key component of asphalt pavements, leads to a progressive loss of flexibility and durability, resulting in premature cracking and expensive maintenance. Existing laboratory aging protocols often fail to accurately replicate real-world conditions, creating a significant gap between simulated and actual pavement performance. This discrepancy complicates the development of more durable and sustainable paving materials.
The central objective of this thesis is to address this gap by developing a robust, data-driven methodology to establish field-validated laboratory aging protocols for paving binders. To achieve this, the research was guided by four key questions: investigating the chemo-rheological effects of diverse environmental factors, developing a novel accelerated aging protocol, employing multivariate and machine learning methods to integrate data, and optimizing data pre-processing for spectral analysis....