Analysis of performance parameters based on surface free energy to evaluate moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures modified with calcined marl dust

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of calcined marl dust (CMD) on moisture susceptibility in asphalt mixtures with limestone and granite aggregates. The surface free energy (SFE) method and Hamburg wheel tracking test were used to assess this influence. Bitumen was mixed with various CMD percentages (0%, 10%, 25%, 40%) to analyze adhesion work, debonding work, and wettability. Results were utilized for energy ratios (ER₁ and ER₂) to gauge moisture susceptibility, while rut depth ratio (RDR) analysis was also conducted for these mixtures. The study found that higher aggregate total SFE correlated with decreased ER₁ and ER₂ values, showing strong correlation (R² of 0.7974 for ER₁ and 0.6572 for ER₂) with RDR. At the optimal CMD content of 25%, the modified asphalt mix with limestone aggregate showed a 35% improvement in ER₁ and a 21.6% enhancement in ER₂, signifying improved moisture resistance.

KEYWORDS:

• Calcined marl
• surface free energy
• moisture susceptibility
• wettability
• work of adhesion

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge support from Cafmeg Laboratory, Shelter Afrique, Nigeria through the use of their laboratory in conducting this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.