International Journal of Transportation Engineering

International Journal of Transportation Engineering

Effects of Aging and Rest Periods on the Self-Healing Properties of Asphalt Mixtures

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
masoud jilanchi 1
Mahmood Reza Keymanesh 2
Alireza Khavandi 3
1 Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Zabol, Iran
2 Faculty Member, School of Engineering, Payame Noor University, Iran
3 Faculty Member, School of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Iran
10.22119/ijte.2025.553085.1713
Abstract
Aging of asphalt mixtures is one of the main causes of reduced durability and performance in flexible pavements. The self-healing ability of asphalt materials plays an important role in extending their service life. This study examines the impact of short-term and long-term aging, using two standard methods (R30 and NCHRP), as well as the influence of different rest periods on the self-healing capacity of asphalt mixtures. Specimens were prepared with PG 64-16 binder and siliceous aggregates, and self-healing was assessed using three indicators: stiffness ratio difference, fatigue life ratio, and failure rate. The results show that longer rest periods significantly improve self-healing indices. Samples aged with the R30 method generally performed better than those aged with the NCHRP method, while unaged samples consistently exhibited the highest self-healing potential. The findings suggest that employing multiple indices provides a more complete picture of asphalt mixture behavior, and systematic comparison of aging methods can serve as a valuable guide for optimizing materials and designing long life pavements.
Keywords
Asphalt Mixtures
Aging
Self-Healing
Rest Periods
Pavement Performance
- A. D. T. (2003). Standard Method of Test for Determining the Fatigue Life of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Subjected to Repeated Flexural Bending. In.
 
- Aashto, R. (2002). Standard practice for mixture conditioning of hot mix asphalt (HMA). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials: Washington, DC, USA.
 
- Badroodi, S. K., Keymanesh, M. R., & Shafabakhsh, G. (2020). Experimental investigation of the fatigue phenomenon in nano silica-modified warm mix asphalt containing recycled asphalt considering self-healing behavior. Construction and Building Materials, 246, 117558.
 
- Gholami, M., Khodaii, A., & Hajikarimi, P. (2024). Long-term aging simulation of asphalt mixture: A comparative experimental study. Construction and Building Materials, 435, 136856.
 
- Kim, Y. R., Castorena, C., Elwardany, M., Rad, F. Y., Underwood, B. S., Gundla, A., Gudipudi, P. P., Farrar, M. J., & Glaser, R. R. (2018). Long-term aging of asphalt mixtures for performance testing and prediction.
 
- Li, M., Fini, E., Jia, X., Song, B., & Wang, Y. (2023). Effect of Aging on Healing Capacity of Bituminous Composites Containing Polyphosphoric Acid. Materials, 16(9), 3333.
 
- Lu, X., & Isacsson, U. (2002). Effect of ageing on bitumen chemistry and rheology. Construction and Building Materials, 16(1), 15-22.
 
- Lv, Q., Huang, W., Zhu, X., & Xiao, F. (2017). On the investigation of self-healing behavior of bitumen and its influencing factors. Materials & Design, 117, 7-17.
 
- Mannan, U. A. (2017). Characterization of asphalt healing and incorporation in a fatigue damage model.
 
- Petersen, J. C., & Glaser, R. (2011). Asphalt oxidation mechanisms and the role of oxidation products on age hardening revisited. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 12(4), 795-819.
 
- Qu, L., Wang, Y., Riara, M., Mo, L., & Xiao, Y. (2024). Study on fatigue-healing performance and life prediction of hot recycled asphalt mixture. Construction and Building Materials, 436, 136964.
 
- Vo, H. V., Park, D.-W., Seo, J.-W., & Le, T. H. M. (2020). Effects of asphalt types and aging on healing performance of asphalt mixtures using induction heating method. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English Edition), 7(2), 227-236.
 
- Witczak, M., Mamlouk, M., Souliman, M., & Zeiada, W. (2013). Laboratory validation of an endurance limit for asphalt pavements.
 
- Zhang, L., Hoff, I., Zhang, X., & Yang, C. (2022). Investigation of the self-healing and rejuvenating properties of aged asphalt mixture containing multi-cavity Ca-alginate capsules. Construction and Building Materials, 361, 129685.
International Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 4 - Serial Number 52
Spring 2026
Pages 2373-2385