Evaluation of hot-mix asphalt distress under rapid freeze-thaw cycles using image processing technique

One of the major distresses found in asphalt pavement layers is moisture damage due to rapid freezing and thawing in cold regions. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the stripping of fine and coarse aggregates on the surface of an asphalt mixture after the rapid freeze-thaw effect using an image processing technique. Samples of size 183mmX50mmX70mm (beam shape) were prepared using a linear kneading compactor. These samples were placed into an automatic freeze-thaw chamber for about 38 days (8 cycles of freeze-thaw a day, and 300 freeze-thaw cycles in total) to simulate the freeze-thaw effect on asphalt pavement. It was anticipated that the 300 freeze-thaw cycles will simulate the condition of an asphalt pavement during one year of freeze-thaw. Images of the asphalt mixture\u27s surface were scanned and evaluated using an image processing technique. It was found that stripping increased when the asphalt mixture underwent more freeze-thaw cycles. The results and analysis of the freeze-thaw effects are further discussed in this study. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineering