Performance Evaluation of Guss Mastic Asphalt Mixtures for Patching Materials
Owing to the intensification of recent abnormal climate phenomena and extreme temperature fluctuations, patched sections (asphalt overlay layers on concrete pavements) consistently experience early and recurrent failures, thus significantly undermining road-maintenance efficiency. In particular, aggregate stripping within patching materials and adhesion failure at the interface with existing concrete pavement surfaces are primary factors hindering the initial stability. This study proposes guss mastic asphalt (GMA)-based mixtures, which possess superior fluidity and interface adhesion performance, as a practical alternative to prevent such early failures. The performances of these mixtures are quantitatively evaluated through laboratory experiments. Specimens featuring six types of patching materials are fabricated using wheel-tracking molds. By simulating actual field conditions, their behavioral characteristics within 24–48 h post application are compared and analyzed. The performance evaluation is comprehensively conducted through a wheel-tracking test (rutting resistance), a three-point flexural test (cracking resistance), a pull-off adhesion test (interfacial bond strength), and the British pendulum test (skid resistance). The results indicate that whereas GMA exhibited a slightly lower high-temperature rutting resistance compared with hot mix asphalt (HMA), it outperformed both cold-mix asphalt (CMA) and HMA in terms of low-temperature cracking resistance and ductility. Notably, GMA exhibited a remarkably high bond strength compared with the other patching materials, thus demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing adhesion failure at the interface. Furthermore, all patching materials exceeded the road skid resistance standard of 40 BPN, thereby satisfying the minimum road-safety quality standards. This study indicates that GMA is a promising alternative for ensuring longterm performance and preventing early failures in patched sections.