Prediction of Paving Performance for Epoxy Asphalt Mixture by Its Time- and Temperature-Dependent Properties

Abstract

As a type of thermosetting material, any improper or faulty operation of the epoxy asphalt cannot be rectified if the irreversible reaction has taken place. This has brought difficulties to the construction organization of epoxy asphalt pavement. The objective of this study is to evaluate the paving performance of epoxy asphalt mixtures (EAMs) and to predict the allowable time for paving and traffic opening. The viscosity curves of epoxy asphalt binder (EAB) were first measured under different reserved temperatures, and a viscosity growth model considering the time-temperature characteristic was proposed. The Marshall tests were also carried out on EAM under the preset reserved temperature and time to measure the Marshall stability (MS) and the air voids. The permissible reserved time at various reserved temperatures can be obtained through either the viscosity test on EAB or the Marshall test on EAM. The applicability of the two methods was compared, and the temperature influence was discussed. Additionally, the Marshall test results indicate that the relationship between the MS growth rate and the curing temperature follows the Arrhenius law: the traffic opening time of the EAM pavement can be forecast once the temperature-dependent rule is established. The results of this study can provide practical guidance to the mixing, paving, and curing processes of the EAM pavement.