Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Analyzing Aggregate Size Distribution of Asphalt Mixtures Using Simple 2D Digital Image Processing Techniques

  • Research Article - Civil Engineering
  • Published:
Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper, a simple two-dimensional Digital Image Processing (DIP) technique was used to obtain aggregate gradation curves for a set of 28 asphalt mixtures prepared with different asphalt binders and air void contents, aggregates having various Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size and three percentages of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. As part of a larger project, small asphalt mixture beams having the same size of the Bending Beam Rheometer specimens were prepared for images acquisition (Red–Green–Blue: RGB scale). Then, RGB images were converted based on a specific DIP algorithm into binary images, and the area of each aggregate particle was computed. Finally, the diameters of the aggregates in the binary image were determined through a simple calculation and used to generate aggregate size distributions curves, which were then graphically and statistically compared to the original mix design of each of the 28 asphalt mixtures considered. Good predictions of aggregate gradation were achieved for particle sizes equal or larger than 4.75 mm. Differences in mix design across mixtures having various aggregate size distributions could be clearly observed and statistically analyzed. Due to image resolution limits, relatively poor gradation predictions were observed for aggregates equal or smaller than 2.38 mm.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Sun, Z.Y.; Wang, C.F.; Sha, A.M.: Study of an image-based gradation measurement techniques of the asphalt mixture. In: ICCTP 2009@ Critical Issues In Transportation Systems Planning, Development, and Management, pp. 2106–2113. ASCE (2009)

  2. Wu W., Wang D., Zhang X., Li Z.: Analyzing the gradation of asphalt mixtures based on industrial computerized tomography. Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol. 3(1), 51–55 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Eriksen K., Wegan V.: Optical Methods for the Evaluation of Asphalt Concrete and Polymer-Modified Bituminous Binders. Danish Road Institute, Denmark (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Yue Z., Bekking W., Morin I: Application of digital image processing to quantitative study of asphalt concrete microstructure. Transp. Res. Rec. 92, 53–60 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Dai Q., Sadd M., Parameswaran V., Shukla A.: Prediction of damage behaviors in asphalt materials using a micromechanical finite element model and image analysis. J. Eng. Mech. (ASCE) 131(7), 668–677 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Kose S., Guler M., Bahia U.H., Masad E.: Distribution of strains within Hot–Mix Asphalt Binders—applying imaging and finite element techniques. Transp. Res. Rec. 1728, 21–27 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Cannone Falchetto A., Montepara A., Tebaldi G., Marasteanu M.O.: Microstructural characterization of asphalt mixtures containing recycled asphalt materials. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. ASCE 25(1), 45–53 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Moon K.H., Cannone Falchetto A., Jeong J.H.: Microstructural analysis of asphalt mixtures using digital image processing techniques. Can. J. Civ. Eng. (CJCE) 41(1), 74–86 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Moon K.H., Cannone Falchetto A., Hu J.H.: Investigation of asphalt binder and asphalt mixture low temperature creep properties using semi mechanical and analogical models. Constr. Build. Mater. 53(28), 568–583 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Denison C., Carlson W.D.: Three dimensional quantitative textural analysis of metamorphic rocks using high resolution computed X-ray tomography: Part I. Method and techniques. J. Metamorph. Geol. 15, 29–44 (1977)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Masad E., Muhunthan B., Shashidhar N., Harman T.: Internal structure characterization of asphalt concrete using image analysis. J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 13(2), 88–95 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Masad E., Jandhyala V., Dasgupta N., Somadevan N., Shashidhar N.: Characterization of air void distribution in asphalt mixes using X-ray computed tomography. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. (ASCE) 14(2), 122–129 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zelelew, H.M.; Papagiannakis, A.T.; Masad, E.: Application of Digital Image Processing Techniques for Asphalt Concrete Mixture Images. In: The 12th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Advances in Geo-mechanics (IACMAG) Goa. India (2008)

  14. Zelelew H.M., Papagiannakis A.T.: A volumetrics thresholding algorithm for processing asphalt concrete X-ray CT images. Int. J. Pavement Eng. 12(6), 543–551 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Zelelew H.M., Papagiannakis A.T.: Wavelet-based characterization of aggregate segregation in asphalt concrete X-ray computed tomography images. Int. J. Pavement Eng. 12(6), 553–559 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Zelelew H.M., Almuntashri A., Agaian S., Papagiannakis A.T.: An improved image processing technique for asphalt concrete X-ray CT images. Road Mater. Pavement Design 14(2), 341–359 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Gonzalez R.C.: Digital Image Processing. Woods R.E., Upper Saddle River, Prentice-Hall (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Ferreira, T.; Rasband, W.: Image J User Guide-IJ 1.45m. Image J Softw (2011)

  19. Marasteanu, M.; Velasquez, R.; Cannone Falchetto, A.; Zofka, A.: Development of a simple test to determine the low temperature creep compliance of asphalt mixture. Final report for highway Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) Project 133, (2009)

  20. AASHTO M 320-05: Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) (2006)

  21. Johnson, E.; Watson, M.; Olson, R.; Moon, K.H.; Turos, M.; Marasteanu, M.: Recycled Asphalt Pavement: Study of High-RAP Asphalt Mixtures on Minnesota County Roads. Minnesota Department of Transportation, Final Report 2013-15 (2013)

  22. Andreas S., Thomas T.: Size, shape and orientation of grains in sands and sandstones image analysis applied to rock thin-sections. Sediment Geol 52(3–4), 251–271 (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Velasquez, R.A.: On the Representative Volume Element of Asphalt Concrete with Application to Low Temperature. Ph.D. thesis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (2009)

  24. Moon, K.H.: Investigation of Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Mixture Low Temperature Properties Using Analogical Models. Ph.D. thesis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (2012)

  25. Cook R.D., Weisberg S.: Applied Regression Including Computing and Graphics. Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics, U.S. (1999)

    Book  MATH  Google Scholar 

  26. NAPA: HMA Pavement Mix Type Selection Guide. National Asphalt Pavement Association, Information Series 128 (2001)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Samsung C&T Corporation, 5th Fl., Daeryung Gangnam Tower 826-20, Yeoksam 1-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, 135-935, Seoul, South Korea

    Ki Hoon Moon

  2. Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences - Pavement Engineering Centre (ISBS), Technical University of Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 51 b, 38106, Brunswick, Germany

    Augusto Cannone Falchetto & Michael P. Wistuba

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, 402-751, Incheon, South Korea

    Jin Hoon Jeong

  4. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Ki Hoon Moon & Augusto Cannone Falchetto

Authors
  1. Ki Hoon Moon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Augusto Cannone Falchetto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael P. Wistuba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jin Hoon Jeong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ki Hoon Moon.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Moon, K.H., Cannone Falchetto, A., Wistuba, M.P. et al. Analyzing Aggregate Size Distribution of Asphalt Mixtures Using Simple 2D Digital Image Processing Techniques. Arab J Sci Eng 40, 1309–1326 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-015-1594-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-015-1594-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation