Mixture proportion optimization and durability evaluation of rejuvenating composite seal

Composite seal (CS) is effective in restoring pavement surface function and prolonging the service life, employing a double-layer structure composed of micro-surfacing and chip seal. Rejuvenating composite seal (RCS) applying rejuvenating agents to the chip seal is dedicated to revitalizing the aged asphalt of the original pavement surface. However, limited studies have focused on enhancing interlayer and temperature performance through optimizing mixture ratios. In this study, a modified emulsified asphalt with self-developed rejuvenating agent was applied, and the orthogonal test considering interlayer shear resistance and high temperature stability was conducted for initially mixture proportion of RCS, then the preliminary ratio was optimized. The proportion for micro-surfacing was determined by mixing test, wet track abrasion test, and loaded wheel sticking sand test. Simultaneously, the recommended asphalt spraying amount of rejuvenating chip seal was determined by utilizing accelerated loading abrasion test. In view of the abrasion resistance, interlayer adhesion, and cracking resistance, the coupled effects of aggregate size and paving rate of rejuvenating chip seal were studied. Long-term wet track abrasion test, freeze-thaw cycle test, and UV aging test were conducted to evaluate the durability. The results show that the asphalt-aggregate ratio of micro-surfacing is 7.1 %. For 4.75 mm or 7 mm rejuvenating chip seal, the recommended asphalt spraying amount is 1.5 kg/m2 or 1.6 kg/m2, and the range of paving rate is 60 %–70 %. For 9.5 mm or 13.2 mm rejuvenating chip seal, the results are 1.7 kg/m2 or 1.8 kg/m2, and 80 %–90 %, respectively. Under the conditions, RCS has better interlayer shear resistance and temperature performance, which can improve durability. •Polymer modifiers and self-developed rejuvenating agent were utilized in asphalt.•Multi-indicator orthogonal test was performed to initially select proportion.•Top-down structure of rejuvenating composite seal mixture proportion was optimized.•Several self-designed tests were conducted to better simulate realistic conditions.•The durability of rejuvenating composite seal was evaluated by three tests.