ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of a comprehensive laboratory investigation program on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of a dense graded emulsion mix (DGEM). Resilient modulus was determined from repeated load triaxial tests and its evolution was investigated as a function of curing time and moisture content. It appears that curing is an important phenomenon, which seems primarily controlled by the mix degree of saturation. The effect of time is particularly clear when the mix has a degree of saturation less than 50%. The water retention characteristics were also determined for different emulsion contents and different initial compaction degrees. It was shown that DGEM was less sensitive to moisture content variations induced by changes in suction head. Crack propagation tests were conducted on frozen DGEM to obtain the fracture toughness, a key input parameter to predict thermal crack spacing. The findings of this laboratory investigation were applied to field conditions and showed the usefulness of using asphalt emulsion treatment of aggregates in cold climates.
