International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

The accelerated thermomechanical degradation of pavement structures, primarily driven by cyclic thermal stresses, presents a formidable challenge to the durability and serviceability of contemporary transportation infrastructure. Conventional asphalt and concrete pavements exhibit significant vulnerability to temperature induced distress mechanisms, including rutting, fatigue cracking, binder oxidation, and subsequent lifespan diminution. This study explores the incorporation of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as a novel thermal regulation strategy within pavement matrices. PCMs demonstrate substantial latent heat storage capacity during solid—liquid phase transitions, enabling dynamic thermal buffering that mitigates excessive surface temperature peaks and thermal gradients. By embedding or encapsulating PCMs within asphaltic or cementitious composites, pavement systems can achieve enhanced thermal stability through the absorption of surplus heat during diurnal peak temperatures and controlled release during nocturnal cooling periods. This thermoregulatory effect reduces thermally induced volumetric strain, oxidative binder deterioration, and fatigue crack propagation, thereby significantly extending pavement service life. Additionally, PCM integration contributes to the attenuation of Urban Heat Island (UHI) intensity by modulating surface heat fluxes, resulting in broader environmental and energy-efficiency benefits. While still in the experimental phase, extant research underscores the promising scalability and sustainability of PCM-enhanced pavements for large-scale infrastructural deployment, with implications for reduced maintenance costs and improved urban thermal comfort.