Exploration of the design theory of crack-resistant rejuvenator for warm-mix recycled asphalt mixtures with high RAP contents

The warm-mix technology and high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) contents applied in asphalt mixture can effectively reduce the use of energy resources and waste materials disposal. To realize the performance requirement of warm-mix recycled asphalt mixture, it is significant to develop specific warm-mix rejuvenators with satisfactory performance. Diffusion and crack-resistance properties are the key factors combined with engineering characteristics for rejuvenator design. In this research, a new type of asphalt rejuvenator for warm-mix recycled asphalt mixture with high RAP contents was designed. Then, the molecular properties of the key ingredients were explored according to asphalt aging theory and molecular diffusion simulation results. The results indicate that the diffusion group should contain linear alkanes or small alkanes, aromatics with a low aromaticity, or molecules with weak or no polar groups and low cohesive energy. Rejuvenators and corresponding mixture were then prepared, followed by performance testing. The results show that the strength of the recycled mixture increased during rejuvenator diffusion, and polymer addition to certain rejuvenators effectively improved the interface performance of the asphalt fusion layer. The fine aggregate mortar beam test results showed that this approach represents a simplified test method to evaluate the low-temperature performance of rejuvenators. The overall performance of the designed rejuvenator is satisfactory and fully meets the requirement of the surface layer of provincial highways in most areas of China. The application of this technology has good environmental and economic benefits.