Development and Performance Evaluation of Cold-Patching Materials Using Waterborne Epoxy-Emulsified Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

Patching is one of the most common maintenance methods for potholes in roads. In order to improve the performance of cold-patching asphalt mixtures, an emulsified asphalt modified with waterborne epoxy resin was developed. Two waterborne epoxy resins and two curing agents were selected. The optimal experimental contents of the curing agents were obtained by measuring the compressive strength of the waterborne epoxy mortar (WEM) under different curing agent contents and curing period. The difference between the two waterborne epoxy resins was obtained by the flexural strength and stress–strain curves, which were measured by the modified bending test on the WEM. The evaluation method of the initial strength and forming strength of the waterborne epoxy emulsified asphalt mixture (WEEAM) was proposed by the experimental study of the compaction molding method and curing conditions. The high temperature performance, low temperature performance, and moisture susceptibility of the mixture were verified by comparing various kinds of WEEAM. The results show that using WEEAM as a road repair material has great advantages in improving pavement performance and road service levels.