Study of the mechanical properties and self-healing ability of asphalt mixture containing calcium-alginate capsules

R. Micaelo, T. Al-Mansoori, Alvaro Garcia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The natural self-healing ability of asphalt mixtures can be enhanced with encapsulated rejuvenators: when crack damage appears the capsules release healing agents, which dissolve bitumen and drain into the cracks. In this study, the effect of a new type of capsules in the mechanical properties and the self-healing ability of asphalt mixtures is investigated. Sunflower oil was encapsulated in calcium-alginate, and protected with a hard shell made of epoxy-cement composite. Results show that the hard shell was not required for these capsules to resist mixing and compaction procedures. Capsules deformed and broke with loading, releasing oil that diffused in the bitumen in less than 24 h. Healing of cracks in asphalt mixture led to an increase of stiffness. However, asphalt specimens with capsules had lower deformation resistance. Computer tomography scanning of specimens showed large reductions in cracks around the capsules, after resting 4 days at 20 °C.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)734-744
Number of pages11
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume123
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2016

Keywords

  • Mechanical testing
  • Rejuvenators encapsulation
  • Self-healing

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