Low temperature cracking behavior of asphalt binders and mixtures: A review

Low temperature cracking (LTC) distress on pavement seriously affects road life. This paper finished a literature review of the research on the mechanism of LTC of asphalt composites (asphalt composites refers to asphalt binder and asphalt mixture in this article), test methods, factors contributing to LTC, measures to prevent and control the distress, and prediction of LTC in asphalt pavements. The following conclusions were obtained: the cracking mechanism of asphalt mixtures needs to be further revealed by means of simulation at the micro level, the BBR and 4 ​mm plate test (by DSR) methods are currently optimal, and a correlation between asphalt and asphalt mixture evaluation indexes needs to be established. Sensitivity analyses are needed for the factors affecting LTC of asphalt mixtures. It is necessary to calculate the contribution of each factor to the LTC of asphalt mixtures. The aim is to propose targeted improvement measures for the most unfavourable factors, as well as to carry out research and development of key materials for anti-cracking. Measures for the prevention and control of LTC of asphalt pavement are analyzed and discussed. Existing researches on the prediction of LTC of asphalt pavements is discussed. It is necessary to analyse the mechanical response of asphalt pavement, the damage process and the sensitivity of anti-cracking parameters on the basis of considering the complex geometrical characteristics and material properties of asphalt pavement materials. Finally, the mechanism of LTC, evaluation methods, factors influencing LTC, and remedial measures for asphalt composites were summarized, and future research prospects were suggested. This paper provides theoretical support for the further solution of LTC distress of asphalt pavement, which is effective on the improvement of pavement life.