Optimised mix design for cold mix asphalt considering various curing parameters of loose mixture

Several research works have been carried out to improve cold mix asphalt (CMA), being an eco-friendly construction; however, very few attempts have been made on curing of loose CMA mixture before the compaction process for preparing the specimens that simulate the actual field condition. The present study aims to assess the effect of various curing parameters (curing temperature, curing duration and curing condition) on loose CMA mixture for improvement in the curing rate and strength of compacted samples. The curing rate of the loose mixture was satisfactory in the temperature range of 40-60 degrees C; however, curing in the oven at 50 degrees C closely simulated the local field condition in normal weather. After investigating different processes for effective curing of the loose mix, the protocol with initial 1% moisture loss in the air at room temperature, followed by 3% moisture loss in the oven at 50 degrees C resulted in the optimum CMA properties.