A Sustainable Maintenance Solution for Porous Asphalt Pavements via Rejuvenation Technology

Abstract

The paper presents the research results and discussions of a sustainable maintenance solution for porous asphalt (PA) pavements through a rejuvenation technology. A specially designed rejuvenator (as a form of emulsion) is developed and applied by means of a spraying truck on the asphalt pavement surface. The rejuvenator is able to drain via the voids and migrate into the aged bitumen, and eventually to activate and restore the flexibility of old asphalt pavements. This paper firstly gives a brief introduction to the theoretical background and research approach. Then a theoretical model has been proposed to predict the lifetime of the treated asphalt pavement. Afterwards some laboratory and field test results and the life cycle analysis (LCA) investigation results are presented and discussed. The results of the rejuvenation treatment not only show the improvement in the mechanical performance and functional requirements, but also exhibit an environmental benefit as compared with the current maintenance option. Finally, the conclusions have been drawn, followed by the recommendation for a sustainable pavement maintenance strategy based on this rejuvenation technology.