Midwest Transportation Center

About the research

As asphalt pavement oxidizes and ages, bio-materials can be used to restore flexibility to the asphalt pavement. These materials can be used in conjunction with asphalt emulsions to seal and soften weathered pavement. In the current global trade climate, there also exists a need to develop new domestic markets for US agriculture products.

This study investigates further development of using soybean-derived oils to rejuvenate pavement materials. This study is presented with 1:1 matching funds from the United Soybean Board that supports the further formulation and development of a bio-based asphalt rejuvenating fog seal.

The objective of this project is to improve current bio-rejuvenator sealant formulation and achieve stiffness reduction in oxidized, aged asphalt surfaces. The penetration of bio-rejuvenating sealers into the aged-pavement is important for reducing stiffness and restoring flexibility. This research will develop an asphalt emulsion with and without the bio-rejuvenator. The asphalt emulsion will act as the vehicle for the soybean-based rejuvenator. Surface tension reducers for the water-phase will be studied to improve the penetration of the bio-sealant into the asphalt. Particle size of the emulsion is also an important factor for penetration of the bio-sealant. The material developed in this research will be tested at MnRoads on the shoulder of the pavement. Cores will be taken to study the effect of bio-rejuvenating seal on the asphalt. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) will perform friction testing on the control and test sections to determine the extent surface friction was impacted due to the application of the bio-sealant. The four main steps in this project are (1) bio-sealant emulsion formulation, (2) bio-sealant emulsion application, (3) investigation of stiffness reduction, and (4) studying the effect of the sealant on friction.