Optimization design of cold patching asphalt liquid based on performance experiments and statistical methods

Abstract

The cold patching asphalt liquid (CPAL) is an environment-friendly paving material, which is more preferable in pavement construction and has lower energy consumption than the hot mix asphalt. However, the CPAL is mainly applied in the quick repair of potholes because of the limitation in its cost and storage stability. This study primarily investigates the effect of the compositions and contents of CPAL on its road performance through the multivariate analysis to develop a low-cost and storable CPAL. In this study, the CPAL was synthesized by base asphalt, diesel, diethylene glycol (DG), oleic acid (OA), and coconut oil acid diethanolamine (COAD). Orthogonal experiments with four factors and four levels were performed to optimize the mechanical properties of CPAL. The microstructure and characteristic functional groups of different CPAL schemes were analyzed to further understand the influence of different components of CPAL on its pavement performance. Results show that the proposed multivariate evaluation method in this study can accurately evaluate the significant relationships between different functional components and properties of CPAL. Furthermore, the dosage of diesel should be strictly controlled in the productions considering that only the t value of diesel passes the inspection. The optimal design scheme of CPAL in this study is 20% diesel, 0.6% DG, 6% OA, and 6% COAD, and its mixture has high adhesion, strength, and good storage stability in pavement engineering. The multivariate evaluation method is also conducive for scientifically developing a green and high-performance road material.