LAUSR

Abstract One of the most important features of asphalt mixes is their ability to undergo self-healing after certain time intervals. Increasing the temperature can accelerate the healing process. In this study, the heating process will be triggered by using microwave technology when ferrite powders is added in asphalt mixes. Fracture tests were performed on open-graded friction course (OGFC) asphalt and ferrite-filled asphalt mixes under three-point bending with different heating and resting time periods. To examine the improvements in the microwave healing and fracture response of ferrite-filled asphalt mixes, the fracture process zone (FPZ) was characterized and quantified through digital image correlation. The FPZ lengths of the specimen with and without ferrite powder were compared. The asphalt specimens including ferrite powders are proved to have a relative longer FPZ length providing an improved cohesive response and a higher cracking resistance.