New approach to characterize cracking resistance of asphalt binders

Asphalt binder characterization is a complex and difficult task due to its rheological behaviour. Indeed it has been traditionally realized by means of simple tests at an established temperature. An added challenge is that low temperatures, as well as binder aging, lead to significant changes in the viscoelastic behaviour of binders. This study aimed to characterize asphalt binders, not through the traditional procedures, but through the ductility and tenacity that they provide to a mixture, being these two properties directly related to the cracking response of the binder. To this end, a new approach for asphalt binder characterization was proposed based on the application of the Fénix test on a standard mixture with a defined aggregate gradation and composition, without fines or filler, manufactured with different types of binders and tested at different temperatures, as well as subjected to accelerated aging in laboratory. The obtained results showed the thermal susceptibility of binders, which evidence the need to characterize binder performance at different temperatures to obtain a reliable cracking response. In addition, binder aging results in a more brittle cracking fracture, being the aging effects more pronounced in high penetration binders.