Properties of Macadam Stabilized with Cement and Asphalt Emulsion

Abstract

The cracking of cement-stabilized macadam (CSM) reflects to the asphalt layer, which is one of the reasons for the failure of pavement performance and structure. Adding asphalt emulsion to CSM can effectively prevent the formation of cracks. The primary purpose of this article is to reveal the effect of asphalt emulsions on the performance of CSM by adding different contents of asphalt emulsion. For this purpose, tests of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), flexural tensile strength (FTS), elastic modulus, and frost resistance were performed on CSM with gradations of CSM-5 and CSM-10 (the maximum particle sizes of the macadam in the gradation composition are 5 mm and 10 mm), respectively. The test results showed that the UCS of CSM decreased with the increment of asphalt emulsion content. The FTS and elastic modulus of CSM increased with the content of asphalt emulsion. Based on the FTS test results, the frost resistance coefficient Km1, defined according to the CSM splitting strength prior to and subsequent to freeze–thaw, was used to evaluate the frost resistance. The test results showed that the frost resistance of CSM improved with the increase in asphalt emulsion content for the same cement content. In conclusion, adding asphalt emulsion to CSM has positive effects on the FTS, elastic modulus, and frost resistance. Therefore, for the purpose of maintaining the UCS value of CSM, the content of cement should be considered at the same time as the controlling of the content of asphalt emulsion.