Extrinsic Self-Healing Technology for Asphalt Pavements

Extrinsic self-healing technology is a new field within road construction materials. Incorporating extrinsic self-healing technology into the road design process can transform construction and maintenance by increasing life spans and reducing maintenance needs. By delaying the premature deterioration of asphalt pavements, extrinsic self-healing asphalt may reduce natural resources consumption, decrease the traffic disruption caused by road maintenance processes, decrease CO2 emissions during the road maintenance process and increase road safety. In addition to environmental benefits, self-healing construction materials have the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with road network maintenance. Currently, five extrinsic self-healing technologies are available for asphalt pavement design: nanoparticles, induction heating, microwave heating, rejuvenator encapsulation and hybrid (combination of induction and rejuvenator encapsulation). This chapter reviews all five options and outlines the future development of extrinsic self-healing asphalt technology.