Resin-Based Modified Emulsified Asphalt Chip Seal: Evolution Law of Performance and Optimization of Construction Method

The cross-linking and curing reactions between the waterborne epoxy resin and its curing agent can influence the drying time of emulsified asphalt, thereby affecting the performance evolution pattern of the chip seals and the opening traffic timing. Currently, research on the construction method of the resin-based-modified emulsified asphalt chip seal remains scarce. To enhance the service quality of a resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal, the curing states of the resin-based-modified emulsified asphalt at different temperatures were evaluated. The bond performance of the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal under various curing states was tested by utilizing an interface state observation of organic glass and interlaminar bond test. A two-stage step-by-step compaction method was proposed. The optimal compaction timing was determined based on aggregate antistripping performance and surface texture analysis. Finally, the evolution of the performance of the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal under different curing conditions was comprehensively investigated, and the optimal opening traffic timing for the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal was recommended. The results indicate that the interface state observation of organic glass provides a visual and accurate assessment of the bond state and performance changing trends of the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal. A two-stage step-by-step compaction process enhances the interlaminar bond performance of the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal by over 28%. The specific process is as follows: a preliminary light compaction is applied to roll the chip seal once after the chip seal is paved. Subsequently, when the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt has cured to a state between surface drying and hard drying (intermediate to final stage), a standard compaction process is employed once for additional rolling. The optimal opening traffic conditions are as follows: the traffic can open after the resin-based modified emulsified asphalt chip seal is paved and cured at 25°C and under a humidity of 50% for 1.5–2 h.