Effects of amorphous metallic fibers on the properties of asphalt concrete

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of amorphous metallic fibers on various properties of asphalt concrete (AC), such as internal porosity, resistance to moisture-related damage, dynamic stability, indirect tensile strength, flexural strength, strain capacity, and toughness. For this, several AC samples with various fiber volume fractions were fabricated and tested. The implications of asphalt binder content on the properties of AC with fibers were also investigated. Test results indicated that the air void content in AC increased with the incorporation of amorphous metallic fibers, so that higher asphalt binder content was required for AC with fibers to achieve 4% porosity or less in comparison to AC without fibers. Indirect tensile strength and flexural strength of AC decreased with the inclusion of fibers, and its moisture-related damage was more pronounced when fibers were incorporated. On the other hand, the dynamic stability, strain capacity at a moderate temperature, and thermal conductivity of AC were improved by using amorphous metallic fibers. Finally, the self-healing of completely broken AC containing amorphous metallic fibers was successfully achieved with induction heat and restraint.