Journal Published Online: 29 May 2026
Volume , Issue

Study on Durability of Warm Mix–Recycled Asphalt Mixture with Asphalt Emulsion and High RAP Content Considering Aging and Freeze–Thaw Cycle Effects

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Warm mix–recycled asphalt mixture with asphalt emulsion (WMRA-AE) has the potential to achieve both high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content and enhanced pavement performance. However, its long-term durability under aging and freeze–thaw cycling conditions remains insufficiently explored. In this study, three types of WMRA-AE and one conventional asphalt mixture were subjected to laboratory-simulated long-term aging and repeated freeze–thaw cycles, followed by evaluations of both mixture performance and binder properties. Results showed that the WMRA-AE containing 100 % RAP (WMRA-AE-100) exhibited the most severe performance degradation after freeze–thaw cycles, whereas the same mixture modified with a rejuvenator (WMRA-AE-100-R) showed the least deterioration. Pull-off tests demonstrated that the rejuvenator effectively restored the adhesive properties of aged asphalt, thereby improving resistance to freeze–thaw damage. Furthermore, long-term aging enhanced rutting resistance while reducing low-temperature cracking resistance and water stability. Notably, WMRA-AE-100 exhibited superior aging durability, whereas WMRA-AE-100-R showed poorer aging durability. Binder testing revealed that the asphalt in WMRA-AE-100-R underwent the most significant property changes during aging, whereas the binder in WMRA-AE-100 remained the most stable explaining the observed differences in aging behavior between mixtures. Among all tested mixtures, WMRA-AE-75-R (comprising 75 % RAP and a rejuvenator) demonstrated the reliable durability under both long-term aging and freeze–thaw conditions. These findings suggest that WMRA-AE-100 is best suited for regions with minimal freeze–thaw impact, whereas WMRA-AE-75-R is preferable for environments requiring resistance to both thermal aging and freeze–thaw degradation. To expand the applicability of WMRA-AE-100-R across broader climatic regions, further improvement in aging resistance is recommended through optimized rejuvenator formulations or supplementary additive strategies.

Author Information

Meng, Yan
School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
Ouyang, Jian
College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
Cui, Jiaxu
School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
Ou, Jinping
School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
Pages: 21
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE20250347
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20250347