Evaluation of High-Resolution Imaging Method to Characterize Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures

This research project aims to advance the cracking resistance characterization of asphalt concrete mixtures by integrating a high-resolution, dual-camera imaging system into Balanced Mix Design cracking performance tests, such as the IDEAL-Cracking Test and Overlay Test. The motivation for this study stems from the critical need to improve the durability of asphalt pavements subjected to increasing traffic-induced and environmental stresses. The primary objective is to validate a dual-camera imaging system capable of capturing and quantifying vertical crack growth on both sides of asphalt mixture specimens with high accuracy and repeatability. The research will involve system evaluation, image data analysis, and comparison with conventional test metrics to support asphalt mixture and pavement design. Project tasks include the evaluation of the imaging system, execution of controlled cracking tests, and detailed analysis of crack initiation and propagation patterns. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced insight into cracking behavior across different asphalt mixtures, improved methodologies for assessing material performance, and identification of mixtures with superior crack resistance. By leveraging high-resolution imaging techniques, this research will not only provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving cracking but also facilitate the optimization of asphalt formulations to mitigate such failures. Additionally, the findings could serve as a valuable resource for engineers and policymakers aiming to implement more weather-resilient infrastructure solutions in response to the increasing demands of modern transportation systems.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy3-utep-01

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $126,865.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306 (CY3-UTEP-01)

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Ghasemi, Hamid

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Texas at El Paso

  El Paso, TX  United States 
• Principal Investigators:

  Montoya, Miguel

  Abdallah, Imad

  Mallick, Rajib

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 20270101
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: UTC

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt concrete; Asphalt mixtures; Cracking; Image analysis; Pavement condition
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01975763
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306 (CY3-UTEP-01)
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 6 2026 5:21PM