Performance comparison of asphalt emulsion stabilized granular base modified with cement or asphaltenes

Asphalt emulsion is a common material used for pavement base course stabilization, and cement is usually added as an active filler to improve the stability of asphalt emulsion mixtures further. However, using cement in these mixes has several drawbacks, including high material costs and environmental issues. On the other hand, asphaltenes is a waste by-product derived from the processing of Alberta oil-sands bitumen that could be used for the same purpose. This investigation compares the impact of cement and asphaltenes as additives to asphalt emulsion-stabilized layers. To compare the performance properties, cement- and asphaltenes-modified mixtures are prepared at different concentrations. The performance properties of the modified mixtures are investigated by conducting a series of tests including Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, IDEAL-CT, and tensile strength ratio. In addition, to evaluate low-temperature cracking resistance of the mixtures, indirect tensile strength test is conducted at 0 °C and –10 °C.