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Microwave Heating as an Innovative Road Maintenance Technology: Aging Effect on Binder and Feasibility Evaluation
Aimin Sha1, Baowen Lou1,2, Diego Maria Barbieri2
1School of Material Science and Engineering, Chang'an University, Nan Er Huan Road (Mid-Section), Xi'an 710064, China.
Microwave heating (MH) for asphalt pavements shows promise but can age bituminous binders. Aging stabilizes after 10 cycles, suggesting MH is a feasible, green road maintenance technique.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Green Technology
Background:
- Microwave heating (MH) offers environmental and economic benefits for asphalt pavement maintenance.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the aging effects of MH on bituminous binders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of microwave-based road maintenance, focusing on the associated aging effects on bituminous binders.
- To analyze the multidisciplinary aspects of MH technology implementation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed fatigue life using linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests after cyclic microwave heating (MH).
- Detected chemical group changes via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to document aging.
- Conducted a feasibility analysis covering aging degree, equipment, safety, and economic/ecological factors.
Main Results:
- The aging degree of bituminous binders due to microwave radiation is nonlinear with MH cycles.
- Significant aging occurs within the first 10 MH cycles, after which the aging effect plateaus.
- Steel slag as a microwave absorber enhances the sustainability of MH technology.
Conclusions:
- Despite aging concerns, MH is an efficient road maintenance technology due to its speed, uniform non-pollutant treatment, and deep penetration.
- The study provides a novel perspective on evaluating MH in road engineering, including aging effects.
- Recommendations are provided for the safe implementation of MH operations.
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