Sustainable Porous Asphalt Mixtures: Experimental Laboratory Application with Recycled Aggregates, Cement and Bitumen Emulsion

Abstract

The road sector seeks eco-friendly alternatives to traditional hot mix asphalt due to climate change concerns. Cold mix asphalt technology offers an effective solution by producing asphalt concrete without heating, using a low-viscosity asphalt binder like bitumen emulsion, significantly reducing energy consumption and emissions. Recycled materials such as recycled concrete aggregates and reclaimed asphalt pavement are commonly used in asphalt mixtures. While most research focuses on cold asphalt mixtures for lower road layers, fewer studies explore cold mix technology in porous asphalt. This study examines the mechanical performance of three fully recycled cold porous asphalt mixtures made with bitumen emulsion and cement, highlighting their pros and cons. The mixtures showed poor mechanical properties, primarily due to the bitumen emulsion’s inability to form a strong bituminous mastic between aggregates.