X-Ray Tomography of Asphalt Concrete

Abstract

The applicability of X-ray tomography techniques to image an asphalt concrete core in three dimensions and study the aggregate structure was demonstrated with four examples. It was found that rutting performance of mixes in WesTrack could be qualitatively related to aggregate structure. It was found that various aspects of a 450-mm full-depth core can be analyzed, including the aggregate structure at its interface and the void distribution and structure. Imaging a core at various stages of compaction in a gyratory compactor enabled the study of the process of compaction. The uneven distribution of asphalt in the FHWA accelerated loading facility pavements was illustrated by X-ray microtomography.