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Study on road performance, microstructural evolution, and environmental safety of red mud-modified reactive cold-mix
Xingmin Liang1, Yunchong Wei1, Yongjun Meng1
1School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China.
Abstract:
Slow early-strength development limits the application of cold-mix asphalt (CMA), while environmental challenges of red mud (RM) utilization remain unresolved. This study developed RM-modified reactive cold-mix asphalt mixtures (RCMA) using reactive liquid asphalt (RLA), an alkali activator, and water to integrate organic curing with inorganic activation. The effects of RM on mechanical performance, microstructure, and environmental stability were investigated through multi-age tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and leaching tests. Results showed that 30% reactive diluent (RD) and 5% RLA achieved workability and early-age stability. Compared with limestone powder (LP), RM improved high-temperature stability, low-temperature cracking resistance, and moisture durability, with residual stability (RS) close to or above 100% after water immersion. RM incorporation promoted a denser organic-inorganic structure by introducing Si-, Al-, and Fe-bearing reactive components and enhancing interfacial bonding. Leaching tests under thermal, ambient, and freeze-thaw conditions confirmed that regulated metals remained below limits, although Ni showed higher sensitivity. Enhanced performance was attributed to synergistic effects of moisture-triggered polyurea network and RM-derived reaction-product-rich regions, improving interfacial transition zone (ITZ) densification, stress transfer, and contaminant retention. This study provides a low-energy approach for RM utilization in sustainable pavement engineering.
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