Influence of Steel Wool Fibers on the Mechanical, Termal, and Healing Properties of Dense Asphalt Concrete

This paper summarizes the main results of experimental research on the induction healing of dense asphalt concrete with steel wool fibers. Different physical properties of dense asphalt concrete, as the steel wool fibers distribution, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and healing via induction heating have been analysed. The main results show that short and thick fibers disperse very well in the mixture, while long and thin fibers produce clusters. It was also observed that fibers can be damaged during the mixing and compaction processes. In addition, it was found that steel wool fibers do not significantly improve the mechanical properties and damage resistance of dense asphalt concrete. Moreover, steel wool fibers slightly increase the thermal conductivity of dense asphalt concrete. Furthermore, the temperature reached due to induction heating increases with the number of fibers in the mixture and with their diameter. Finally, it was found that dense asphalt concrete heals through the increase of temperature and that the type and diameter of fibers do not influence the healing properties of dense asphalt concrete.