Performance Evaluation and Mechanism Analysis of Modified Emulsion Asphalt Incorporating Waterborne Epoxy Resin

Cold-mix asphalt, particularly emulsion asphalt, is favored for its ease of application and cost-effectiveness in pavement maintenance despite its inferior performance compared to hot-mix asphalt. Waterborne epoxy resin emerges as a promising modifier to enhance emulsion asphalt’s adhesion, high-temperature stability, and resistance to cracking and water damage. This study investigated the impact of incorporating waterborne epoxy resin into emulsified asphalt on the performance of both the binder and the resultant mixture used in pavement applications. The introduction of the waterborne epoxy system was found to enhance the adhesion to aggregates, increase tensile strength, and notably improve high-temperature stability without compromising the storage stability of the emulsified asphalt. This study established the optimal dosage of the waterborne epoxy system in emulsified asphalt to be 20%, beyond which the stability was adversely affected. Furthermore, the research delved into the performance of waterborne epoxy resin modified emulsified asphalt mixtures, demonstrating significant improvements in high-temperature stability, low-temperature cracking resistance, and moisture stability. The findings of this study are instrumental in advancing the application of waterborne epoxy resin modified emulsified asphalt mixtures in road maintenance and repair, offering a sustainable and performance-enhancing solution for pavement materials.