Characterization of Binder Interactions in Recycled Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures: Blending and Diffusion of Aged and Virgin Asphalt During Mixing and Stockpiling.

Abstract

The performance of recycled hot-mix asphalt mixtures (RHAM) is strongly governed by the extent and uniformity of interactions between the aged binder in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and the virgin binder. However, in current engineering practice, it remains difficult to accurately evaluate the blending degree of aged and virgin asphalt during RHAM production, where the blending degree refers to the extent and uniformity of binder interaction during hot mixing. Moreover, influenced by various construction-related factors, the uniformity of interfacial diffusion between the two asphalt layers is also hard to control, which compromises the durability of RHAM. To address these issues, fluorescence microscopy was used to quantitatively characterize the blending behavior of aged and virgin asphalt, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the interfacial diffusion process and its evolution under time-temperature coupling conditions from plant production to field paving. The results indicate that, owing to the fluorescent characteristics of the Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) modifier in polymer-modified asphalt, the blending behavior during hot mixing can be quantitatively characterized by the fluorescent area and its areal proportion, providing a rapid solution for quantitative evaluation during RHAM production. Increasing the preheating temperature of RAP, extending mixing time, raising mixing temperature, and adopting Mixing Sequence I reduced the proportion of fluorescent area, suggesting improved blending between aged and virgin asphalt. After blending, the interfacial diffusion between aged and virgin asphalt occurs within the RHAM; the uniformity of this diffusion becomes more pronounced as the elapsed duration from production to paving increases. Nevertheless, excessively long duration may induce secondary aging of the blended binder. Accordingly, the duration is recommended to be controlled at approximately 90 min and should not exceed 180 min. By elucidating the blending and diffusion behaviors of aged and virgin asphalt, this study provides practical guidance for contractors in controlling production-process parameters for RHAM.