Performance Evaluation of Pavements Treated with Spray-On Rejuvenators in Virginia

Abstract: Maintaining and enhancing the structural and functional performance of pavements is a primary focus for highway agencies. Pavement preservation treatments play a vital role in this effort by improving surface conditions, such as restoring texture and integrity. Additionally, these treatments extend pavement longevity by minimizing moisture penetration and slowing down the aging process, particularly for flexible pavements. By offering these benefits, preservation methods help reduce life-cycle costs—an essential consideration for agencies operating under budget constraints while working to maintain the roadway network.
It is well-known that asphalt binder hardens over time due to weathering and oxidation, particularly affecting surface layers. This hardening negatively impacts pavement performance and is a major factor leading to durability-related distresses, such as fatigue and thermal cracking. Spray-on rejuvenators are seen as an economical preservation treatment for pavements in good condition, helping to counteract binder aging and extend pavement service life. These products penetrate the pavement surface, rejuvenating the aged asphalt binder and reducing moisture infiltration.
Several agencies have already integrated spray-on rejuvenators into their pavement preservation programs with success. Many states have conducted field trials to assess the effectiveness of these treatments. However, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) does not yet have an established process for approving these products or specifications for their use.
This presentation will focus on evaluating the performance of spray-on rejuvenators in reducing the aging effects on asphalt binders in surface mixtures, based on field trials conducted during the 2023 construction season. Two pavement sections in Virginia’s Lynchburg district were selected, with each treated using three different spray-on rejuvenator products: two bio-based products and one petroleum-based product. Of these, one bio-based and the petroleum-based rejuvenator were polymer-modified, while the other bio-based product remained unmodified. Untreated sections served as control groups.
The presentation will cover preliminary results from laboratory tests, including permeability and air void analyses on pavement cores, along with rheological testing of binders extracted from the cores. Field assessments such as friction, rutting, and macrotexture measurements will also be shared, with data collected at various intervals for up to 18 months after the product applications.