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Pavements 2025

Asphalt Binder and Mixture Characterization

POSTER RECEPTION (View list of posters here)

Thermo-mechanical treatment of cold recycled asphalt mixture with slag

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM MT
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on enhancing the self-healing capabilities of cold asphalt pavements, particularly through innovative methods such as microwave irradiation heating. This technology has shown considerable promise in promoting the healing of asphalt, but recent studies indicate that the addition of re-compaction energy can further improve the effectiveness of microwave-based treatments in asphalt mixtures. This study assesses the healing performance rates (%HR) of cold recycled asphalt mixtures, incorporating recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) materials and varying content of slag (0%, 10%, and 20%). Healing rates were quantified using repeated indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests to determine the influence of heating time, re-compaction energy, and slag content factors on the mixtures’ healing potential.
The results indicate that this combined thermomechanical treatment (utilizing both microwave heating and subsequent re-compaction) could be feasibly applied in the field. In this process, deteriorated pavement could be heated using a microwave generator, followed by re-compaction with a rolling compactor. This dual approach promotes the healing process through a kneading effect on the heated material, which restores structural integrity more effectively. Implementing this method in situ could offer an efficient, sustainable solution for extending pavement life, reducing maintenance costs, and supporting environmentally friendly road repair practices.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to explain advanced techniques for enhancing the durability and self-healing properties of pavement materials.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate sustainable methods for rehabilitating and maintaining asphalt pavements using recycled materials
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating recycled materials in pavement construction and maintenance.