Optimization of Asphalt-Mortar-Aging-Resistance-Modifier Dosage Based on Second-Generation Non-Inferior Sorting Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

The use of steel slag powder instead of filler to prepare asphalt mortar was beneficial to realize the effective utilization of steel slag and improve the performance of asphalt concrete. Nevertheless, the anti-aging properties of steel-slag powder–asphalt mortar need to be further enhanced. This study used antioxidants and UV absorbers in steel-slag powder–asphalt mortar to simultaneously improve its thermal-oxidation and UV-aging properties. The dosage of modifier was optimized by second-generation non-inferior sorting genetic algorithm. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, a dynamic shear rheometer and the heavy-metal-ion-leaching test were used to evaluate the characteristic functional groups, rheological properties and heavy-metal-toxicity characteristics of the steel-slag-powder-modified asphalt mortar, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between the amount of modifier and G*, δ, and the softening point. When the first peak appeared for G*, δ, and the softening point, the corresponding dosages of x1 were 2.15%, 1.0%, and 1.1%, respectively, while the corresponding dosage of x2 were 0.25%, 0.76%, and 0.38%, respectively. The optimal value of the modifier dosage x1 was 1.2% and x2 was 0.5% after weighing by the NSGA-II algorithm. The asphalt had a certain physical solid-sealing effect on the release of heavy-metal ions in the steel-slag powder. In addition, the asphalt structure was changed under the synergistic effect of oxygen and ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the risk of leaching heavy-metal ions was increased with the inferior asphalt-coating performance on the steel-slag powder.

Advances in Regenerated Asphalt Mixtures

“…Research on SSP as a substitute for natural mineral powder in an asphalt mixture has also been carried out in which the anti-aging performance of steel slag asphalt mortar (SSP-MAM) was the focus of the research. The thermal oxidation and UV aging performance of SSP-AM can be achieved through the use of antioxidants and UV absorbers to prepare active composite modified asphalt mortar (SSP-MAM) [ 7 ]. In SSP-MAM, antioxidants capture the free radicals generated by light and thermal oxygen while ultraviolet absorbers convert ultraviolet rays into heat, improving their thermal oxidation and ultraviolet aging performance.…”