Research on the Prediction of Optimal Frequency for Vibration Mixing and Comparison on Initial Performance of Cold-Recycled Asphalt Emulsion Mixture

Abstract

The multicomponent cold-recycled asphalt emulsion mixture (CRAEM) has the ability of antireflection cracking between the base and the bottom surface layer, but it has secondary compaction and residual void, which is not conducive to crack resistance and fatigue performance. The application of high-frequency vibration mixing technology can reduce voids and improve crack resistance, but it is limited by the complexity of testing to determine the optimal mixing frequency. The fractal dimension of gradation is deduced by fractal theory, and the prediction model for optimal frequency is proposed. Dry, wet, freeze–thaw splitting tests, and rutting tests were employed to test the early mechanical properties of high-frequency vibration mixing specimens corresponding to different vibration accelerations, and mercury inclusion tests were utilized to compare the void distribution corresponding to the optimal mixing frequency and forced mixing, and to verify the prediction model for optimal frequency. The results indicate that the high-frequency vibration mixing technology is able to benefit the initial cracking resistance (28.1% increase), moisture stability (11.2% increase), and high-temperature stability on the macro level on the optimal frequency. Meanwhile, the void distribution structure can be optimized, reducing the proportion of harmful voids and increasing the proportion of transitional pores on the micro level. However, the freeze–thaw resistance needs to be further studied. This study reduces the number and cost of experiments to determine the optimal frequency, and provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the engineering application of the CRAEM.