Laboratory and Field Performance Evaluation of Cold-Mix Asphalt Mixture with Solvent-Based Liquid Asphalt in Winter Pavement Maintenance

Abstract

The cold-mix asphalt mixture with solvent-based liquid asphalt shows promising application prospects in winter pavement maintenance. This paper evaluates the performance of cold-mix asphalt mixtures in both laboratory and field settings. The initial strength, formed strength, indirect tensile strength, and evolution law were researched through lab tests. The results indicate that the Marshall stability can reach a high level after fully curing. The curing temperature has a more significant influence on the indirect strength compared to the curing time. Uniaxial penetration tests were conducted to investigate the impact of curing states on the strength formation. Observations revealed that strength formation was uneven due to variations in curing conditions. In the field, the patches with different gradations were installed and investigated. Vertical deformation at the different periods was recorded and analyzed. The results reveal that the mixtures with dense gradation perform well in the lab but fail fast in the field, while the mixtures with open gradation are more suitable for pothole repair in winter. The inconsistency between the laboratory and field results is mainly attributed to the strength formation mechanism of the liquid asphalt mixture and the uneven curing in the field. Indeed, the curing condition significantly influences the strength formation process.