*Article* **Research on the Road Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Based on Infrared Thermography**

**Wei Chen <sup>1</sup> , Kesen Wei <sup>2</sup> , Jincheng Wei 1,3,\*, Wenyang Han <sup>3</sup> , Xiaomeng Zhang <sup>3</sup> , Guiling Hu <sup>1</sup> , Shuaishuai Wei <sup>3</sup> , Lei Niu <sup>3</sup> , Kai Chen <sup>3</sup> , Zhi Fu <sup>3</sup> , Xizhong Xu <sup>3</sup> , Baogui Xu <sup>1</sup> and Ting Cui <sup>3</sup>**


**Abstract:** Temperature segregation during the paving of asphalt pavements is one of the causes of asphalt pavement distress. Therefore, controlling the paving temperature is crucial in the construction of asphalt pavements. To quickly evaluate the road performance of asphalt mixtures during paving, in this work, we used unmanned aerial vehicle infrared thermal imaging technology to monitor the construction work. By analyzing the temperature distribution at the paving site, and conducting laboratory tests, the relationship between the melt temperature, high-temperature stability, and water stability of the asphalt mix was assessed. The results showed that the optimal temperature measurement height for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an infrared thermal imager was 7–8 m. By coring the representative temperature points on the construction site and then conducting a Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test, the test results were verified through the laboratory test results in order to establish a prediction model for the melt temperature and high-temperature stability of y = 10.73e0.03x + 1415.78, where the predictive model for the melt temperature and water was y = <sup>−</sup>19.18e−0.02x + 98.03. The results showed that using laboratory tests combined with UAV infrared thermography could quickly and accurately predict the road performance of asphalt mixtures during paving. We hope that more extensive evaluations of the roadworthiness of asphalt mixtures using paving temperatures will provide reference recommendations in the future.

**Keywords:** infrared thermal imaging technology of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); optimal temperature measurement height; melt temperature threshold; molding temperature-road performance prediction model
