LAUSR

Abstract Asphaltic materials have self-healing properties due to the capacity of bitumen, a viscoelastic liquid with a temperature- and time-dependent viscosity, to flow and/or drain into cracks. Different types of bitumen have different adhesive and rheological properties depending on the refining process, chemical composition, and origin of the bitumen. In addition, other factors that affect the self-healing capacity are the resting period between traffic loads, filler content and ambient temperatures. To further investigate the influencing factors for asphalt self-healing for macro cracks, the authors have selected five types of bitumen, which are commonly used in road constructions, from different sources. The self-healing was assessed by manufacturing asphalt mastic beams and breaking these beams. Healing was induced by either convection or induction heating. The rheological and compositional properties of bitumen were correlated to the healing characteristics of the beams tested. Interestingly, the physical, rheological and chemical properties of bitumen did not influence healing properties, as the thermal expansion coefficient, surface energy and density of the bitumen used were similar. Hence, healing became similar as the influence of viscosity became minor compared to other driving forces.