Reduction of thermally induced cracks in asphalt using thermochromatic pigments in the asphalt

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to establish the significance of adding pigment in the design mix of asphalt concrete. This was achieved using Thermochromatic pigments. Four samples of asphalt concrete containing paint, dye, neat and pigmented were prepared and its volumetric properties established. The degree in which each of the sample was capable of reflecting away solar radiation were however tested by exposing all the four samples to the environment under direct solar radiation and the amount of solar radiation that each of them absorbed were measured and recorded. The pigmented mix after testing registered the lowest temperature change as compared to the other mix. It was therefore recommended that it is very prudent to add the pigment as additive at 25% of the bitumen weight and 25% pigments during the design mix of asphalt concrete as it will assist in reflecting away the solar reflectance of the pavement.