Study on Performance Optimization of Composite Natural Asphalt Modified Gussasphalt Mix

Abstract

In order to systematically study and develop a type of gussasphalt (GA) mix with superior performance, namely GA-10; the effect of Qingchuan Rock Asphalt (QRA) and Trinidad Lake asphalt (TLA) on the GA-10 mix was assessed based on the study of composite natural asphalt modified gussasphalt (CNAMGA) binder. Various analytical tests were used to evaluate the engineering properties, thermal stability and microstructure of CNAMGA mix. The results indicate that the stability of QRA modified binder and TLA modified binder in the normal temperature range and the high temperature range have been improved, and the temperature susceptibility is reduced. The optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio of the GA mix is determined to be 9.7%, which has good high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance and construction workability. The QRA mix has better high-temperature stability than the TLA mix, whereas the low-temperature cracking resistance of the TLA mix is better than that of the QRA mix. The two kinds of GA-10 mix have similar construction workability. The fact that the abundant fine aggregates wrapped in binder fill the coarse aggregates surface contributes to the better adhesion of the GA asphalt concrete. The distribution of aggregate and binder is relatively uniform with fewer pores, and the overall proportion of the binder is greater than that of aggregate.