Experimental and numerical study on SMA modified with an encapsulated polymeric healing agent

Abstract The present study aims at experimentally and numerically investigating the effect an encapsulated healing agent on mechanical characteristics of a stone mastic asphalt (SMA). As thiol-containing urethane AR-polymer is used in this study. In order to gain numerical insight into behavior capsules SMA, micromechanical finite element modeling employed. developed model allows capturing stresses induced different load cases applied SMA macro-scale. Particular attention paid presently evaluation local stress state that arises around during compaction, operation, also crack initiation. mixtures with various volumetric contents were manufactured survival mixture production was evaluated based X-Ray Computed Tomography measurements. self-healing properties has furthermore been examined repeated compressive strength tests. obtained experimental results indicate absolute majority survive production, their addition increases recovery period. concerning breakage are found be reasonable agreement. may thus potentially provide useful tool for optimization improve as well timely activation.