Study on asphalt damage characteristics in cold area with large temperature gradient

Abstract

Abstract The primary cause of the asphalt pavement disease in this region is the large temperature differential and high ultraviolet (UV) radiation that characterize this frigid environment. This study assessed the ductility, penetration, softening point, and rheological properties of several asphalts under various freeze-thaw cycles and UV aging conditions. Additionally, the damage characteristics of asphalt in cold and large temperature gradient areas were examined. The findings indicate that the freeze-thaw cycle significantly affects the asphalt’s low-temperature crack resistance but has no discernible effect on the material’s traditional performance or high-temperature rutting resistance. Asphalt’s resistance to low temperature cracking is ranked according to the impacts of UV radiation and the freeze-thaw cycle: 80/100 pen grade asphalt, 100/120 pen grade asphalt, SBS modified asphalt, and SBR modified asphalt. The impact of UV radiation and the freeze-thaw cycle on the high temperature performance of asphalt is categorized into four categories: SBR modified asphalt, SBS modified asphalt, 80/100 pen grade asphalt, and 100/120 pen grade asphalt.