Characterization of High-Temperature, Low-Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Phosphogypsum Warm-Mix Asphalt

TL;DR

This study explores using phosphogypsum as a warm-mix asphalt additive, showing it improves high-temperature performance and fatigue resistance while being eco-friendly.

Contribution

The study introduces phosphogypsum as a novel warm-mix additive for asphalt with enhanced rheological and fatigue properties.

Findings

PGWA-added asphalt showed higher complex modulus and improved resistance to high-temperature deformation.

PGWA increased fatigue life and cumulative damage capacity of the asphalt binder.

The SBS modifier compensated for minor reductions in low-temperature performance caused by PGWA.

Abstract

To explore the potential of phosphogypsum for resource utilization in asphalt pavements, this study evaluated its feasibility as a warm-mix asphalt (WMA) additive and investigated its influence on the rheological properties of asphalt binder. Phosphogypsum warm-mix asphalt was prepared by incorporating varying dosages of phosphogypsum warm-mix additive (PGWA) into both base asphalt and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt. The high-, medium-, and low-temperature performance of phosphogypsum warm-mix asphalt was evaluated using rheological tests. The results revealed that the complex modulus of PGWA-added base asphalt was higher than that of the base asphalt, with only minor changes in phase angle. The incorporation of the SBS modifier significantly enhanced the stiffness and elasticity of the asphalt binder. Compared with the control asphalt, PGWA-added asphalt exhibited lower creep strain and accumulated strain, higher creep recovery rates, and smaller non-recoverable compliance under the same stress level, indicating an improved resistance to high-temperature permanent deformation. PGWA increased the cumulative damage capacity and extended the fatigue life of the asphalt binder. Although the PGWA slightly reduced the low-temperature performance, the SBS modifier effectively compensated for this drawback. The Burgers model accurately captured the low-temperature rheological behavior of PGWA-added asphalt. Overall, PGWA-added asphalt demonstrated excellent rheological performance and high application potential, offering a promising pathway for the resource utilization of phosphogypsum and the development of sustainable, eco-friendly pavement materials.

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