What is a common issue caused by asphalt aging?

Aging in asphalt is a natural process that occurs over time due to exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature variations, and oxygen. One of the primary consequences of this aging process is that the asphalt becomes less flexible and more brittle.

As the asphalt binder ages, its chemical structure changes, leading to a loss of volatiles and a decrease in flexibility. This increased brittleness can result in cracking and surface deterioration, making it more difficult for the pavement to expand and contract with temperature changes and traffic loads. This is particularly problematic in climates that experience significant temperature fluctuations.

In contrast, improved adhesion to aggregates, reduced production costs, and enhanced resistance to water damage are not typically associated with asphalt aging. As asphalt ages, its ability to bond with aggregate can diminish, production costs may not significantly change, and resistance to water damage may also decline due to potential cracks and surface wear that allows moisture infiltration. Therefore, the issue of decreased flexibility and increased brittleness stands out as a clear result of asphalt aging.