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Performance Evaluation and Structure Optimization of Low-Emission Mixed Epoxy Asphalt Pavement
Yulou Fan1, You Wu1, Huimin Chen1
1School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Epoxy asphalt concrete (EAC) enables lower mixing temperatures for modified asphalt, reducing emissions. Optimal pavement structures using EAC significantly enhance performance and extend service life, with a 29.8% carbon reduction over 25 years.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Epoxy asphalt concrete (EAC) offers superior strength, thermal stability, and fatigue resistance, positioning it as a durable pavement material.
- The low viscosity of epoxy components allows for reduced mixing temperatures in styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the feasibility of low-emission mixing for SBS-modified epoxy asphalt.
- To compare the mechanical performance of EAC in various structures against conventional designs for optimization.
- To assess the environmental benefits, specifically carbon emission reductions, of EAC pavements.
Main Methods:
- Brookfield rotational viscosity tests to assess mixing feasibility at reduced temperatures.
- Dynamic modulus tests on EAC to determine Prony series for finite element modeling.
- Finite element method (FEM) analysis of six EAC pavement structures and comparison with conventional designs.
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify carbon emissions.
Main Results:
- Addition of epoxy components reduced SBS-modified asphalt mixing temperature by 30 °C.
- EAC significantly improves pavement mechanical condition, performance, and service life.
- The S5 structure (EAC in middle-lower layer) demonstrated 1.7 times higher load repetitions for fatigue resistance and good rutting resistance.
- Life cycle assessment showed a 29.8% reduction in carbon emissions for EAC pavements over a 25-year period.
Conclusions:
- Low-emission mixing of SBS-modified epoxy asphalt is feasible.
- EAC pavements offer enhanced mechanical properties, leading to improved performance and extended durability.
- The S5 pavement structure is recommended for optimal performance and longevity.
- Epoxy asphalt concrete pavements present a significant opportunity for reducing the environmental impact of road construction.
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