The Influence of Aggregate Morphology on the Performance of Asphalt Mixtures: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.13176226240215

• Palavras-chave: aggregate morphology, asphalt mixtures, paving, bibliometric analysis, material characterization.

• Keywords: aggregate morphology, asphalt mixtures, paving, bibliometric analysis, material characterization.

• Abstract:

  This article presents a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of the impact of aggregate morphology on the mechanical properties and long-term performance of asphalt mixtures. The analysis, based on 131 publications indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases (1981–2024), demonstrates that morphological parameters—notably shape, angularity, and surface texture—are critical determinants of shear strength, modulus of resilience, fatigue resistance, and susceptibility to moisture damage. Scientific output in this field has shown exponential growth since 2012, directly correlated with the adoption of advanced characterization techniques, such as digital image processing (DIP) and artificial intelligence. The journals Construction and Building Materials and Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering stand out as the primary vehicles for dissemination. Citation and co-authorship network analysis identifies the most influential researchers (e.g., Masad, E.; Liu, Y.) and highlights the centrality of international collaborations, particularly between institutions in China and the United States. However, a fragmentation in morphological quantification methodologies and a gap in protocol standardization were identified, which limits direct comparability between studies. As a contribution, this study synthesizes the state of the art, systematizes research trends, and proposes future directions, emphasizing the need to integrate multiscale experimental approaches with machine learning-based predictive models. The insights generated have direct practical implications for the formulation of high-performance asphalt mixtures, aiming to optimize mechanical properties and extend the service life of pavements.