As a modified asphalt mixture, one of the main functions of asphalt emulsifier is to improve the plasticity of the original asphalt. Due to the small particles of asphalt emulsifiers, they can blend well with asphalt, making it easier to handle during construction and better able to be laid in areas that require processing. Below, Longteng Road, a manufacturer of asphalt emulsifiers, will explain the role and value of asphalt emulsifiers in highway maintenance.
1. The role and value of asphalt emulsifiers in highway maintenance
(1) Improving the waterproof and anti wave properties of roads: Asphalt emulsifiers can enhance the waterproof and anti wave properties of roads. Due to the rapid solidification of asphalt emulsifiers upon contact with water, the road surface is less prone to sliding, thereby ensuring the safety of driving; At the same time, when the road surface is crushed by tires, asphalt emulsifiers can also play a good protective role, preventing the road surface from fluctuating and deforming.
(2) Reduce construction noise: During the construction process, asphalt emulsifiers can reduce the generation of noise. Due to the fact that asphalt emulsifiers can be mixed with asphalt before construction, the asphalt is more evenly distributed during construction, thereby reducing noise during construction and ensuring quiet and accurate construction.
(3) Extended construction season: Emulsified asphalt can maintain good performance at lower temperatures, which allows road construction and maintenance to be carried out under a wider range of climatic conditions, extending the construction season.
(4) Reduce environmental pollution: Emulsified asphalt can be used without high temperature heating, reducing energy consumption and harmful gas emissions, which is beneficial for environmental protection and the health of construction personnel.
2. Specific application technology
(1) Slurry sealing layer: Mix emulsified asphalt with fine aggregate, mineral filler, water, etc. in a certain proportion to form a slurry mixture, and then evenly spread it on the road surface. It can effectively fill cracks, prevent moisture infiltration, and extend the service life of the road.
(2) Micro surfacing: Made by mixing modified emulsified asphalt with stone and other materials, it has higher wear resistance and rutting resistance, and is used to improve the skid resistance, wear resistance, and waterproofing of the road surface.
(3) Crack repair and pit repair: For smaller cracks, emulsified asphalt can be directly sprayed for filling; For larger potholes, emulsified asphalt can be mixed with appropriate aggregates and filled for repair to tightly adhere the repair material to the road surface, forming a strong repair layer.
3. Precautions for using asphalt emulsifier
(1) Addition of modifier: The emulsified asphalt used for micro surface construction has higher performance than the slurry seal layer and requires the addition of modifier. The commonly used modifiers are SBS and SBR. The addition of SBS modifier requires first modifying the asphalt to produce modified asphalt and then emulsifying it, while SBR modifier can be directly added during emulsification production.
(2) Temperature control: Asphalt should be heated to 130-140 ℃, and emulsification production is strictly prohibited when the temperature is too low. The water temperature should be controlled at 60-70 ℃, the asphalt temperature should be controlled at 125-130 ℃, and the modified asphalt temperature should be controlled at 170-180 ℃.
(3) Preparation of emulsifier aqueous solution: add the emulsifier into water, raise the temperature to 80-85 ℃, stir until the emulsifier is completely dissolved, and then add the remaining water, which can completely dissolve the emulsifier and reduce foam.
(4) Measurement and addition: The amount of emulsifier added is generally 8-12 ‰ of the total emulsified asphalt, and the specific amount needs to be determined based on experiments. For example, the addition amount of asphalt emulsifier BH-Z1 is 8-10 ‰, and the addition amount of BH-Z2 is 6-8 ‰.
(5) Construction methods: Common construction methods include spraying, mixing, and painting. The spraying method is suitable for prime coat construction, adhesive layer construction, and gravel sealing layer construction; The mixing method is suitable for slurry sealing and cold mixing and laying; The brushing method is suitable for waterproofing treatment of bridges, roofs, etc.
(6) Grassroots treatment: Before construction, the grassroots should be thoroughly cleaned and treated to ensure that the surface of the grassroots is clean, dry, free of debris and floating dust.
(7) Construction temperature: The construction temperature for emulsified asphalt is generally required to be above 10 ℃, but not lower than 5 ℃. During construction at low temperature, measures shall be taken to speed up demulsification, but the temperature of lotion shall not exceed 60 ℃.
(8) Distribution amount and rolling control: When spraying emulsified asphalt, the distribution amount shall be controlled to avoid lotion loss or accumulation. When rolling, the quality and number of passes of the roller should be determined based on factors such as the grade of the mineral material, the grade of the asphalt material, and the construction temperature, to avoid excessive or insufficient rolling.
