PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of a cold-recycling asphalt mixture used as a base layer and to determine the optimum emulsified-asphalt content for ensuring the mixture’s performance.
METHODS: The physical properties (storage stability, mixability, and workability) of three types of asphalt emulsion (CMS-1h, CSS-1h, and CSS-1hp) were evaluated using the rotational viscosity test. Asphalt emulsion residues, prepared according to the ASTM D 7497-09 standard, were evaluated for their rheological properties, including the G*/sinδand the dynamic shear modulus (|G*|). In addition, the Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and tensile-strength ratio (TSR) were evaluated for the cold-recycling asphalt mixtures fabricated according to the type and contents of the emulsified asphalt.
RESULTS: The CSS-1hp was found to be superior to the other two types in terms of storage stability, mixability, and workability, and its G*/sinδ value at high temperatures was higher than that of the other two types. From the dynamic shear modulus test, the CSS-1hp was also found to be superior to the other two types, with respect to low-temperature cracking and rutting resistance. The mixture test indicated that the indirect tensile strength and TSR increased with the increasing emulsified-asphalt content. However, the mixtures with one-percent emulsified-asphalt content did not meet the national specification in terms of the aggregate coverage (over 50%) and the indirect tensile strength (more than 0.4 MPa).
CONCLUSIONS : The emulsified-asphalt performance varied greatly, depending on the type of base material and modifying additives; therefore, it is considered that this will have a great effect on the performance of the cold-recycling asphalt pavement. As the emulsified-asphalt content increased, the strength change was significant. Therefore, it is desirable to apply the strength properties as a factor for determining the optimum emulsified-asphalt content in the mix design. The 1% emulsified-asphalt content did not satisfy the strength and aggregate coverage criteria suggested by national standards. Therefore, the minimum emulsified-asphalt content should be specified to secure the performance.