Performance deterioration of asphalt mixture exposed to salt-water-temperature-ultraviolet coupling effect.

The intense ultraviolet radiation and large amount of saline-alkali soil in the Golmud region of Province, China, have deteriorated the performance of asphalt pavement. Given the effect of adverse conditions in this area, this paper investigated the collective and interaction effects of salt chemicals, air temperature, and ultraviolet radiation on asphalt and asphalt mixture through laboratory experiments under controlled conditions. In particular, using different concentrations of Na2SO4 and NaCl solutions, simulated salt chemicals for asphalt and asphalt mixture performance impact. The mechanism of performance deterioration of the asphalt mixture suffered from salt attack was explored. The results show that the original asphalt's storage and loss modulus are higher than the modified asphalt at different temperatures with the multi-factors effect. In addition, the modified asphalt's phase angle is 5%∼10% higher than the original asphalt below −2°C. At the same time, strength loss rates of asphalt mixture increase with the cycles and solution concentration, varying from 20%−40%. Wet-dry cycles and the concentration of salt solution are positively correlated with the deterioration of asphalt mixture strength. This research provides the durability prediction and the more reasonable composition design of the asphalt mixture applied in salt enrichment regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]