Characterisation of road base materials treated by hybrid alkali-activated binders and cationic asphalt emulsions

Abstract

Using suitable chemically stabilized materials to solve the moisture-related damages on the road pavement is still essential. This study investigated the influence of cationic asphalt emulsion (CAE) on a hybrid alkali-activated binder (HAB) consisting of fly ash, hydrated lime, and solid sodium hydroxide for the chemically stabilized road base material. Adding CAE to HAB would introduce the water-repellent and elastic properties of HAB. Crushed rock (CR) treated with HAB binder prepared with two concentrations of CAE (HAB-CAEs) was characterized using a test series of compaction, unconfined compressive strength, resilient modulus, and water absorption. The compaction test results showed that CAE could decrease the optimum water content and air voids at the maximum dry density. Using CAE increased the strength of the HAB-CAE-treated CR, resulting in a sufficient compressive strength of the flexible pavement base. In addition, the HAB-CAE-treated CR had a proficient energy absorption under a static loading condition. The addition of CAE to the HAB-treated CR also provided resilient modulus and stiffness values higher than those of the conventional cement-treated base material with less water absorption. Therefore, HAB-CAE could be a viable option as a sustainable pavement base material.