Volumetric Design of Asphalt Concrete Skeleton for Information Layer Integration

Abstract

The article is devoted to the development of a comprehensive mathematical framework for determining the maximum permissible volumetric content of information agents (sensors, tags) within asphalt concrete pavement structures without compromising their skeleton stability. The study is based on the principles of discrete media packing theory by F. de Larrard, the Bailey spatial design methodology, and the concept of confined percolation. To eliminate systematic bias when comparing international standards, a geometric normalization of control sieve opening sizes was conducted. An original criterion, the differential skeleton module, is proposed as a tool for identifying local extrema in the mineral component distribution. An analytical equation was established to calculate the effective geometric reserve of the skeleton relative to the Fuller maximum density curve. The formation of a volumetric plateau in gap-graded skeleton mixtures with a structural asymmetry coefficient exceeding 3.0 was mathematically proven. The practical outcome of the study is the development of a universal nomogram establishing a functional relationship between the equivalent diameter of the information carrier and the ultimate information capacity of asphalt concrete for various aggregate size groups. It was established that dense-graded asphalt mixtures with continuous gradation are unsuitable for creating reconfigurable layers due to critical pore space confinement. It was proven that high-skeleton systems possess structural invariance in the micro- and meso-ranges, allowing for the safe integration of distributed functional components, which makes them optimal for autonomous driving infrastructure.