Comprehensive Study on Modification Mechanism of Waterborne Epoxy Resin Emulsified Asphalt and Life Cycle Benefits of Its Mixture

Abstract

This study focuses on the lack of systematic research on the effects and mechanisms of waterborne epoxy resin (WER) and curing agents on emulsified asphalt, as well as the challenge of scientifically evaluating the comprehensive benefits of waterborne epoxy resin emulsified asphalt (WEREA) and its mixtures. Nine WER bicomponents were chosen to modify emulsified asphalt, with properties studied at the macro and micro levels. A modification mechanism model for WEREA was developed. Then, 75 indicators were selected to assess the rheological properties of WEREA and mixture performance using the efficiency coefficient method to construct an evaluation index system. The performance–environmental–economic benefits of the WEREA mixture were verified based on life cycle analysis. This study confirmed the performance dominance of WEREA and its mixtures in high-temperature environments. The WER with an epoxy value of 0.2 eq/100 g and the curing agent containing four amino groups had the most significant effect on optimizing the performance of WEREA, especially when the dosage of the WER was 15%. The WEREA mixture prepared with that WER bicomponent had the best performance, economic, and environmental benefits when the oil–stone ratio was 9.07%. The environmental benefits account for 46% of the overall life cycle benefits of the WEREA mixtures, emphasizing the importance of controlling pollution emissions for sustainable pavement construction.