Abstract
The development of innovative next-generation materials and technologies, by combining physics, chemistry and engineering methods, will help to increase the service life and durability of road pavements. The use of cold recycled foamed pavement base layer is drawing extensive attention due to its environmental and economic advantages. In addition, the use of fibres in warm mix foamed asphalt, showed potential to improve mechanical properties and adhesion behaviour. Despite these potential benefits of fibres in asphalt, there is limited experience and literature available on the bonding mechanism of the Fibre-Foamed Aggregate matrix (FIFA). This project aims to gain a deep understanding of the physicochemical bonding mechanism of FIFA mixtures, a new composite material with a unique visco-elastoplastic behaviour, caused by the complex interactions between the mixture constituents. Moreover, this project uses Molecular Dynamics simulations to fundamentally map the adhesion mechanism of FIFA interfaces on the one hand, and on the other hand, to explain the degradation of nanostructure by moisture action and the corresponding interface debonding. The surface free energy method will be used to acquire a reliable mechanistic approach for evaluating the moisture damage mechanism of FIFA mixtures. The results are expected to scientifically assist in the future selection of optimal material properties taking into account adhesion and moisture sensitivity.
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