Thermodynamics and kinetics of moisture transport in bitumen

Moisture in bitumen and at the bitumen-aggregate interface affects cohesive adhesive properties of asphalt mixtures, which are critical for service performance durability pavements. This paper aims to investigate kinetics thermodynamics moisture transport various temperatures relative humidity different types. Transport models introduced study mechanisms. A parameter optimization approach combined with finite element method is applied simulate behavior. Results show salient sorption increase higher levels (more than 70%), indicating occurrence clustering water molecules bitumen, can lead a significant decrease diffusion coefficient. great quality simulating experimental results, S-Cluster model provides detailed explanation mechanisms describes better high levels. The coefficient, cluster size activation energy were determined found be linked chemical structural properties. expected contribute comprehensive understanding behavior further pavement damage complex interacting environmental conditions.