Fading and color changes in colored asphalt quantified by the image analysis method

摘要

Colored asphalt pavement can create better visual setting as well as improve the safety and smoothness of driving. In this research, colored asphalt samples with various amounts of dye are examined to study the surface color changes at different aging periods. Distributions of surface colors on the samples are analyzed in both the RGB and HSI color spaces. Two types of dyes, green and red, with five different ratios are mixed with clear asphalt to make colored asphalt samples. The samples are exposed to ultraviolet light in the QUV tester for five different aging spans. Results show that the amount and type of dye added, and the different aging spans affect fading in the colored asphalt. Results also indicate that clear asphalt mixed with 5 percent or more of dye is capable of manufacturing better-colored asphalt. Finally, colored asphalt with red dye showed better resistance to ultraviolet light.