An exciting area of research in the department is a multi-disciplinary project investigating the micromechanics and failure mechanisms of asphaltic pavement materials. Experts in materials science, fracture mechanics, powder compaction, polymer composites, rolling contact, soil mechanics, and vehicle-road interaction; as well as pavement engineers from Nottingham University are collaborating on the project. The research is investigating asphalt deformation and fracture from a fundamental micro-mechanical perspective. Initial work has concentrated on the behaviour of pure bitumens, measured over a very wide range of operating conditions, as well as the performance of idealised asphalt mixes consisting of known aggregates mixed with bitumen. The work has so far produced fascinating new insights into the deformation and fracture behaviour of asphaltic materials, and the researchers are hopeful of eventually being able to develop new, less empirical methods of road mix design.

Further Information:

• Asphalt test database
  
• Publications on Asphalt Micromechanics
  
• Poster - Asphalt Fracture Test Database
• Poster - Fracture of Bitumen and Asphalt