Investigation of the Shear Behavior between Layers of Foamed Asphalt Cold-Recycled Pavement

Abstract

Foamed asphalt cold-recycled mixtures have been increasingly used in China. However, the interlayer shear performance between the foamed asphalt cold-recycled layer and its top and bottom layers is still not clear. In this study, we explored factors affecting the interlayer shear performance of foamed asphalt cold-recycled layers (FACRL). Regarding the interlayer performance between the foamed asphalt cold-recycled layer and cement-treated base (CTB), the optimal content of the prime coat asphalt was 0.8 kg/m2, and the prime coat asphalt was recommended to be applied on the surface of the base as soon as the base was paved. Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-rubber modified asphalt with a content of 2.3 kg/m2 and aggregates with a size range of 4.74–9.5 mm was recommended for use in the seal coats. The aggregates used in the seal coat were recommended to be premixed with a 0.3% asphalt binder to improve the adhesion and to be paved with a spreading area of 65%. Regarding the interlayer performance between the foamed asphalt cold-recycled layer and top hot-mix asphalt (HMA), the interlayer shear strength and fracture energy increased and then decreased with the added tack coat asphalt. The shear strength and fracture energy of the interlayer at 50°C was only 20% and 8% of that at 25°C, respectively. The optimum usage percent of the tack coat binder is 0.4 kg/m2.