Analysis of Rejuvenating Fiber Asphalt Mixtures’ Performance and Economic Aspects in High-Temperature Moisture Susceptibility

Abstract

Non-renewable resources such as natural stone and asphalt are in short supply. Recycling technology, with its lower cost, has been used as the primary approach to asphalt pavement maintenance engineering. The inclusion of reclaimed asphalt pavement materials in producing new asphalt pavements may increase the risk of cracking. The strength and toughness of the asphalt mixture can be reduced. In this study, Hamburg wheel tracking tests (HWTT) were performed on rejuvenated asphalt mixtures with distinct maintenance processes. Different kinds of fibers have been used as additives to reinforce the rejuvenated asphalt mixtures. The HWTT rutting curve was identified as having three stages, including the post-compaction stage, the creep stage, and the stripping stage. The three-stage rutting curve model was used to determine the intersection point between the creep stage and stripping stage. The other two feature points (i.e., the post-compaction point and the stripping inflection point) were redefined with a new calculation method. Then, the rutting effect and stripping effect were separated with these feature points. The performance and economic benefits of fiber-reinforced rejuvenated asphalt mixtures were investigated through grey correlation analysis under the three maintenance processes. The feature points of the HWTT curve and the cost of the corresponding maintenance process were selected as the impact factors. Finally, the optimal scheme was developed by analyzing the influence of each factor on both performance and economic benefits.