Analysis of the mechanical response of asphalt materials manufactured with metallic fibres under the effect of magnetic fields

Mechanomutable asphalt materials (MAMs) are being developed as a key contribution towards the evolution of smart roads. MAMs are composed of a matrix of asphalt materials modified with metallic fibres that can be activated with magnetic fields. By controlling the physical domain of the magnetic fields, it is possible to manage the mechanical performance of MAMs, and consequently transform the pavement into a smart structure that is capable of reacting efficiently to the requirements of traffic and weather. This paper describes the results obtained from a study conducted using a resonance frequency test to evaluate the mechanical performance of the dynamic modulus of various sizes of specimens of MAM mortars under the activation of various intensities of magnetic field. MAM mortars containing two different quantities of metallic fibres were used to manufacture specimens of two different sizes that were evaluated under various temperatures. The findings indicate that the dynamic modulus of the MAMs is affected by both the intensity of the magnetic field applied and the fibre content, but not by the size of the specimen, therefore, just the two first aforementioned variables should be considered in the design of MAMs for the construction of smart roads. (paper)