Advanced Characterization and Performance-Based Test Methods for Emulsified Asphalt in South-Central United States

Asphalt emulsions are increasingly used in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation due to their low cost, reduced environmental impact, and ease of application. However, the growing use of more complex emulsion formulations—incorporating additives such as polymers, ground tire rubber, compatibilizers, asphalt extenders, polyphosphoric acid, rejuvenators, anti-stripping agents, and recycling agents—has made it difficult to characterize these materials and predict their field performance using conventional tests like viscosity and penetration. This project aims to introduce a new generation of laboratory characterization methods capable of predicting the performance of asphalt emulsions in the field. A diverse set of emulsions will be tested using advanced test methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, SARA (saturates, asphaltenes, resins, and aromatics) fractionation, High-Pressure Gel Permeation Chromatography, and the Sessile Drop method. Results will be analyzed in conjunction with laboratory performance testing and field data from the Long-Term Pavement Performance program and other performance sources within Region 6. The outcome of this study will be a set of recommended laboratory test methods that demonstrate strong correlation with both laboratory and field performance, thereby improving emulsion selection and quality control practices.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy3-lsu-uark-06

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $303,332.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306 (CY3-LSU-UARK-06)

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Ghasemi, Hamid

• Performing Organizations:

  Louisiana State University

  3660G Patrick F. Taylor Hall
  Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803

  University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

  4190 Bell Engineering
  Civil Engineering
  Fayetteville, Arkansas  United States  72701
• Principal Investigators:

  Elseifi, Mostafa

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 20270101
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: UTC

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Emulsified asphalt; Pavement performance; Performance tests; Test procedures
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01975685
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306 (CY3-LSU-UARK-06)
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 5 2026 10:28PM