From mixtures to binders can the inverse problem be solved?

This paper investigates the inverse problem of obtaining asphalt binder properties from asphalt mixture properties. First, the forward problem of predicting the mixture properties from binder properties is investigated using several micromechanical and phenomenological models and asphalt binder and mixture creep stiffness data obtained with the Bending Beam Rheometer. Next, Hirsch model was selected as most promising and its capability in providing the binder properties from the mixture properties was evaluated.Digital Image Processing techniques are also used to obtain additional information on the microstructure of the mixture and to improve the performance of the models.