A stress–temperature superposition approach to study the nonlinear resilient behavior of cold recycled mixtures (CRM) with active filler addition

Abstract

The asphalt paving sector is currently embracing and enhancing cold mixture technologies to reduce carbon emissions and decarbonize its operations. Cold recycled mixtures (CRM) have proven to be a promising alternative in road construction and rehabilitation, becoming a primary research focus. This study evaluates the effects on compactability and volumetric properties of adding 1% Portland cement or 1% hydrated lime to CRM made with 100% reclaimed asphalt pavement and bitumen emulsion. Dynamic triaxial tests with different confinement pressures (ranging from 20 to 200 kPa) and temperatures (5, 15, 25, and 35 °C) were used to determine the influence of these active filler additions on the resilient modulus (Mr) of the mixtures. All the mixtures exhibited increased Mr values at lower temperatures and reduced stress–dependency. Cement addition had the most favorable effect on compactability, reducing the necessary compaction energy, while mixtures with hydrated lime had more substantial increases in Mr and reduced stress dependencies. Finally, the results were analyzed by plotting master curves using a proposed novel approach called Stress–Temperature Superposition Principle (STSP), which allows for simpler and more straightforward analyses.