Effect of Cereclor as Rejuvenator to Enhance the Aging Resistance of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Binder

Abstract

Asphalt is the most commonly used material for pavement construction around the world, and therefore, it is vital to acquaint a practice that restores the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder properties to the required level of performance by adding proper rejuvenators. However, a rejuvenator may perform better in the early stages of its application but may not necessarily perform better in the long run. The aim of this study is to assess the rejuvenation effect on the aging resistance of RAP binder in long-life performance through applying artificial aging. In this study, base virgin binder of pen grade 60/70 and RAP binder rejuvenated with Cereclor were subjected to artificial aging to simulate the short- and long-term aging effects. Penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity; saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltene (SARA) fractionation; and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, bending beam rheometer (BBR), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests were conducted to evaluate the potential improvements in various properties of RAP binder. The results indicated that the physical, fractional composition, rheological, and aging resistance of RAP binder improved through the rejuvenation mechanism. Therefore, the rejuvenator improved the chemical structure through re-balancing the constituents in the colloidal system, even after long-term re-aging, which proves it to be an aging-resistant binder. Furthermore, it has been concluded that Cereclor has substantial rejuvenation potential even after applying artificial aging, and it can be utilized in pavement recycling to achieve long-life performance. Furthermore, the results depict good correlations between the physical, rheological, and chemical parameters of virgin and RAP binder.

Investigation of Waste Electrical Power Plant Oil as a Rejuvenating Agent for Reclaimed Asphalt Binders and Mixtures

“…Therefore, this analysis supports using WEO as a rejuvenator for aged binders. These results support the latest research on the suitability of WEO as an effective rejuvenator for aged asphalt binders [ 26 , 60 ].…”

“…For example, due to its lower cost and reduced environmental problems, bio-waste cooking oil is useful. However, it has some limitations that might restrict its pertinence, such as low-temperature properties and a tendency for oxidation [ 26 ]. The use of WEO has attracted significant interest in response to trash management, environmental issues, and financial benefits [ 27 ].…”

A Review on the Durability of Recycled Asphalt Mixtures Embraced with Rejuvenators

“…Low WCO quality gradually increased water content and acidity, thus minimising the rejuvenation effect. Yaseen and Hafeez [24] claimed that WCO had some drawbacks, such as weak low-temperature fluid characteristics, oxidative degradation, and vulnerability to hydrolysis in acidic medium; thus limiting its applications.…”

“…For instance, rejuvenated asphalt ages again and its durability may not be similar to that of virgin asphalt (VA). Moreover, a rejuvenator may perform better at the early stage of its application, but may not necessarily perform better in the long run [24]. Based on their chemical composition, a rejuvenating agent can impart undesired features that deteriorate the performance of rejuvenated asphalt.…”

Effect of aging on reclaimed asphalt pavement and rejuvenators

“…To enhance the above shortcoming and to counteract the stiffness of the RAP binder, rejuvenators are added to the asphalt mixtures for optimum results. Though RAP binders cause expeditious distress due to comparatively more aged and stiffer binders, at the same time, they also enhance the rutting resistance which is highly beneficial (5).…”