Optimization of the Composition of Mineral–Asphalt Mixture for Pothole Repairs Based on Reclaimed Asphalt Using Innovative Chemical Activators

This paper proposes two chemical activators that are used to prepare mixtures for pothole repairs based on reclaimed asphalt. Repair mixtures, especially those used as "cold" mixes, must be characterized by special properties because they are primarily used in the winter period, i.e., at low temperatures and high humidity. The proposed additives W1 and W2 affect the functional and rheological properties of asphalts. Therefore, their influence on the behavior of asphalt 35/50 in three states, i.e., non-aged, after technological aging, and after service aging, was examined. At the same time, the issue of determining the optimal mass content of additives in relation to the aged binder was undertaken using the original methodology applying the MSCR test. In the latter part of the paper, the influence of additives W1 and W2 on asphalt recovered from reclaimed asphalt (aged in real conditions) was also analyzed and asphalt mixtures for pothole repairs were made. For these mixtures, the average contact stresses and tensile strength were determined as a function of time and conditioning temperature, giving positive results in terms of practical application of the proposed solution. The obtained mixtures were successfully used to fill potholes in winter weather conditions.