Performance evaluation of full depth reclamation (FDR) mixes containing emulsified asphalt

Abstract

Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) is a sustainable and cost-effective pavement rehabilitation technique that involves the in-place recycling of existing pavement materials. The current study evaluates the performance of FDR mixes treated with stabilizing agents such as cement and emulsion. The research compares three distinct gradations considering various in-service pavement compositions carrying different traffic volumes: (i) 100% RAP mix (ii) 50% RAP mix and (iii) 42% soil mixture. Mix design was performed and the performance characterization has been carried out for all three mixes. The performance was assessed through the indirect tensile cracking tolerance test. The results show that the increasing the cement content or the emulsion content can improve the indirect tensile strength of the FDR mixes. However, the increase in cement content can reduce the flexibility and cracking tolerance of the mix whereas increase in emulsion content can improve the flexibility of the FDR mix.