Effects of Composite Warm Mix Additive (CAR) on the Physical and Rheological Performance of Bitumen and the Pavement Performance of Its Concrete

Warm mix asphalt received increasing attention in recent years, and this technology aims to increase the fluidity of bitumen in the process of mixing and construction. To characterize the physical and rheological properties of bitumen and the pavement performance of bituminous mixtures, it was modified by a composite additive Rediset. Rediset consists of both the cationic surfactants and organic additive-based rheology modifiers. Commonly used materials such as Pen 60/80 bitumen and bituminous concrete (AC-20) were selected. The results show that Rediset can improve the penetration and softening point of the bitumen, making the bitumen stiffer and harder. All Rediset-modified bituminous concretes are in the same low-temperature performance grade (PG) as the bitumen without Rediset. Although Rediset can decrease the rutting and crack resistance of Rediset-modified bituminous concrete, all the Rediset-modified bituminous concrete with less than 2% Rediset still satisfied the requirement of the maximum bending strain being higher than 2000 με, and the dynamic stability of Rediset-modified bituminous concrete with 3% Rediset was still higher than 1000 cycles/mm. The cationic surfactants in the Rediset can play the role of an anti-stripping agent and improve the adhesion between the interfaces of the aggregate and bituminous binder, which enhances the moisture resistance of Rediset-modified bituminous concrete.