Quantitative Characterization of Asphalt Concretes Using High-Resolution X-rayComputed Tomography

摘要

This project developed an asphalt pavement evaluation methodology based on highresolution X-ray computer tomography (CT) to obtain three-dimensional imagery of asphalt concrete. The thrust of the project was to develop a software application called 'Blob3D' which used CT data to improve quantitative, nondestructive evaluation of asphalt concrete pavements. The data analysis was divided into three stages: segregation, separation and extraction. Software to accomplish each of these tasks was developed in parallel and successively improved and tested to achieve a working package. Once a CT data volume has been segmented and separated, it can be mined to get the desired data. The data that can be extracted from the system includes particle (or void) volume, center of mass, surface area, aspect ratio, long axis orientation, and location, direction, and surface area of all particle-particle contacts. A series of surface area, aspect ratio, long axis orientation, and location, direction, and surface area of all particle-particle contacts. A series of controlled tests verified the correctness of the analysis information. The technology will be further evaluated at the FHWA using core samples from experimental mixers and from field tests such as Wes Track.