materials

Article
The Performance of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
Water-Retaining Asphalt Mixture
Jiuguang Geng 1,2 , Mingyuan Chen 1,2, *, Tao Shang 1,2 , Xun Li 1,2 , Y. Richard Kim 1,3 and
Dongliang Kuang 1,2
1 School of Materials Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710061, China;
gengjiuguang@163.com (J.G.); shangtaoca@163.com (T.S.); muzixun1024@163.com (X.L.);
kim@ncsu.edu (Y.R.K.); kuangdl@163.com (D.K.)
2 Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Transportation Pavement Materials,
Xi’an 710061, China
3 Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University,
Campus Box 7908, Raleigh, NC 27695-7908, USA
* Correspondence: chenmy@chd.edu.cn




Received: 28 May 2019; Accepted: 14 June 2019; Published: 18 June 2019


Abstract: Lowering the temperature of the road surface is one efficient way to alleviate the urban
heat island effect. Therefore water-retaining asphalt mixture was produced by adding super
absorbent polymer (SAP) containing cement mortar to the porous asphalt mixture. In this study,
the water absorption capacity, mechanical strength and fluidity of the cured water-retaining mortar
were investigated to determine the optimum SAP dosage in water-retaining mortar. Furthermore,
the microstructure of the hardened water-retaining mortar was studied using scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) to determine the morphology and distribution of SAP in the final product, which
may help to understand the influence of SAP on water retention performance and decipher its
underlying mechanism. Compared to the raw porous asphalt mixture, the water-retaining asphalt
mixture showed good moisture susceptibility (retained stability (RS) ≥ 88.2%, tensile strength ratio
(TSR) ≥ 81.8%), good rutting resistance (9336–10,552 times/mm) and low temperature crack resistance
(3383–3621 MPa), as well as significant cooling effects (10–12 ◦ C). The results illustrate that the
prepared SAP water-retaining asphalt mixture has good potential in reducing dust and enhancing
road performance.

Keywords: SAP mortar; porous asphalt mixture; water-retaining; microstructure

1. Introduction
Asphalt pavement is widely used nowadays due to its durability and resilience. The continued
absorption of heat radiation from the sun can lead to the heating of the asphalt pavement and creates
a high temperature on the pavement surface. This not only affects people’s comfort, but can be
detrimental in other ways. It decreases the service life of the pavement and results in huge energy
consumption and economic loss. Therefore, the concept of sponge pavement material design was
proposed recently [1]. On the basis of the original permeable asphalt pavement with large-pore
structure, the super absorbent polymer (SAP) mortar material is poured to fill the pores within the
asphalt structure, which enables the pavement to have high water absorption and retention capacities.
Meanwhile, part of the pore structure can still be retained inside the paving material, facilitating the
discharge of the excess water [2,3]. After precipitation, the moisture absorbed by the road surface
can dissipate the heat of the pavement surface by water evaporation. This helps to decrease the
temperature of road surfaces and increase environmental humidity [4]. Furthermore, it may also serve
to suppress road dust and reduce disease.

Materials 2019, 12, 1964; doi:10.3390/ma12121964 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials

Materials 2019, 12, 1964 2 of 19

In recent years, more and more researchers have begun to study semi-flexible asphalt pavement.
Setyawan and his coworkers [5] established a unique correlation between asphalt skeleton, grouting,
aggregate type and size by evaluating the compressive strength of semi-flexible pavements, and
compared with conventional concrete, only for compressive strength test, but this comparison was
one-sided. Pei et al. [6,7] determined that the cement slurry was more suitable as a grouting material by
comparing the fluidity, strength and drying shrinkage of cement slurry and cement mortar, and then
pouring the two grouting materials into the asphalt mixture for performance evaluation. Ding et al. [8]
analyzed the performance of semi-flexible pavement in the volume parameters of matrix asphalt
mixture, and found that the high-low temperature stability of semi-flexible pavement materials was
superior to ordinary asphalt pavement materials, and the performance of the matrix asphalt mixture
with more air voids was better. At the same time, some scholars improved the performance of grouting
materials by using additives. Wang et al. [9] added carboxyl latex to cement mortar as an additive
to determine the best mix ratio, and then tested the properties of semi-flexible pavement material
with carboxyl binder for asphalt mixture matrices with different pore contents (high temperature
rutting, low temperature crack, water damage and fatigue). Ke et al. [10] conducted a comprehensive
evaluation of the performance of latex cement mortar, and latex cement mortar into the composite
sample, effectively improving the road performance of the asphalt mixture, but the latex cement was
prone to segregation. For the matrix material of semi-flexible asphalt mixture, Kandhal [11] proposed a
new open wear-resistant layer coarse aggregate void index and the best asphalt dosage method. Then,
the residual tensile strength (TSR) was tested after the freeze-thaw cycle to test the properties of the
mixture. Pei [12] studied the influence of fractal theory on the cavity characteristics of Open Graded
Friction Course (OGFC), and quantitatively analyzed the relationship between void ratio and void
equivalent diameter and the influence of void distribution on drainage performance. However, the
porous asphalt mixture has a low water absorption rate and cannot store water easily. To ameliorate
road stability and alleviate urban heat island effects, Tadanobu [13] designed a water-preserving
and cooling pavement made of porous asphalt and filler, and analyzed the road surface cooling
effect and the improvement of urban temperature environment through experiments and models.
Hendel et al. [14] conducted road heat flux observation and analysis. The influence of sprinkling
frequency and timing on the cooling effect of the pavement were considered by Santamouris [15], who
analyzed the cooling effects of the heat-reflecting coating and water-retaining sidewalk technologies on
the pavement. Tianqing [16] developed a flexible pavement with water retention and cooling effects and
described its construction method. Researchers from France and Japan [17,18] successfully developed
the “grinding and grouting asphalt concrete pavement construction method” and using a mineral
material waterproof paving test area, conducted a test of this paving as a heat-resistant pavement.
The final test results showed that the ambient temperature of the water-retaining pavement near
the surface was significantly lower than that of the permeable pavement, indicating water retention.
Tianjun et al. [19] used OGFC as the parent structure of water-retaining pavement, and proposed a
certain theoretical method for water-filled pavement construction technology and grouting quality of
water-retaining pavement retaining material. In research on reducing cement cracks, Golewski [20,21]
studied the microcracks of cement materials with active mineral additives (fly ash), and obtained the
optimum amount of fly ash to improve the durability of cement. Ma et al. [22] studied the effect of SAP
on the drying shrinkage, pore structure and permeability of high-performance cement-based materials,
and revealed the regulatory effect of SAP on water.
Previously, water-retaining pavement material based on super absorbent polymer (SAP) mortar
has been studied, and its water retention performance was mainly provided by SAP. Water absorption
capacity of SAP can reach several hundred times that of its own weight. At the same time, it absorbs
water quickly and has good water retention performance. Most importantly, SAP can be used as an
internal curing agent for cementitious materials. Based on the optimal mix ratio of SAP water-retentive
mortar, the mixing ratio of large pore asphalt mixture was determined. Then the large pore structure
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 3 of 19

was filled with water-retentive mortar to prepare a water-retentive asphalt mixture. Finally the road
performance, water retention performance and cooling performance were evaluated.

2. Experiment

2.1. Materials

2.1.1. Cement
The cement used in the study was conventional Portland cement (P·O 42.5 according to Chinese
standard (JTG/T F30-2014 [23]). The chemical components and physical properties of it are shown in
Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

Table 1. Chemical and phase analysis of the cement (wt.%).

Chemical Components SiO2 Al2 O3 CaO Fe2 O3 MgO K2 O Na2 O SO3

The cement 22.41 5.84 62.72 3.08 1.98 0.39 0.12 1.99
Phase Components C3 S C2 S C3 A C4 AF
The cement 55.4 26.3 6.5 11.8

Table 2. Physical properties of the cement.

Setting Time (min) Flexural Strength (MPa) Compressive Strength (MPa)

Density (g/cm3 )
Initial Final 7d 28 d 7d 28 d
3.11 150 275 5.07 7.11 26.27 46.37

2.1.2. Fine Sand

SAP water-retaining mortar developed in this study was intended to be used for perfusion, and
the excessive particle size of river sand has a great influence on the fluidity of the mortar. Therefore,
the fine sand used in the research was a natural river sand with a small particle size. The performance
indicators are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Basic performance of fine sand.

Property Test Result Property Test Result

Mud content (%) 0.65 Maximum Particle Size (mm) 1.18
Screening test
Sieve Size (mm) Scoring Rate (%) Cumulative Screening Rate (%) Through Rate (%)
0.6 1.1 1.1 98.9
0.3 5.9 7.0 93.0
0.15 37.9 44.9 55.1
0.075 52.1 97.0 3.0

2.1.3. Fly ash

Studies have shown that the density of fly ash is between 1.77–2.43 g/cm3 , and the specific surface
area is usually within the range of 0.25–0.70 cm2 /g [24]. In this paper, some performance tests were
carried out according to JTG E30-2005 [25]. The chemical components and specifications of the fly ash
are shown in Tables 4 and 5.

Table 4. Chemical analysis of fly ash (wt.%).

Components SiO2 Al2 O3 Fe2 O3 CaO MgO SO3 Na2 O K2 O P2 O5

The fly ash 44.08 41.53 3.98 5.80 0.58 0.97 0.82 1.14 1.10
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 4 of 19

Table 5. Basic performance of fly ash.

Properties Test Result Criteria

Fineness (0.045 mm square hole sieve) (%) 18.6 ≤20
Water demand ratio (%) 95 ≤105
Loss on ignition (%) 5 ≤8
Water content (%) 0.4 ≤1.0
SO3 content (%) 2.5 ≤3.0
Water absorption rate (%) 95 -
Porosity (%) 41 -

2.1.4. SAP
The SAP used in this paper was produced by Yixing Chemical Co., Ltd., Yixing, China. It was a
special type of poly (sodium acrylate) with a low degree of crosslinking. The basic properties of SAP
are shown in Table 6. The SAP forms a gel like material when in contact with water. The retention of
water by this polymer is relatively good even under external pressure. Table 7 shows particle size of
SAP. The maximum water absorption rate is dependent on the particle size.

Table 6. Basic properties of the super absorbent polymer (SAP).

Properties Test Result

Bulk density 0.68 g/cm3
PH 6.7
Volatile content 5.2%
Anti-caking Not easy to agglomerate

Table 7. Particle size of the SAP.

Types of SAP Particle Size (mesh)

A 40–60
B 60–100
C 100–200
D 200–400

2.1.5. Porous Asphalt Concrete (PAC)

In this study, crushed basalt aggregates and limestone powder were used for fabricating the PAC
mixture. The bitumen used was a high-viscosity modified bitumen manufactured by adding 10 wt.%
modifier to the Esso-70 matrix asphalt. The tests were carried out according to JTG E20-2011 [26],
and the results are shown in Table 8. The gradation of PAC is presented in Table 9. The optimum
binder content was found to be 4.9 wt.% and air void content could be as high as 22.5% of the total
PAC specimen.

Table 8. Technical index of high viscosity modified asphalt.

Properties Criteria Test Result

Penetration (25 ◦ C,
100 g, 5 s) (0.1 mm) ≥40 58
Softening point (◦ C) ≥80 86.4
Ductility of 5 ◦ C (cm) ≥20 41
Quality loss (%) ≤0.6 0.19
Film oven heating test (163 ◦ C, 5 h) Penetration ratio (%) ≥65 81
Ductility of 5 ◦ C (cm) ≥30 47.5
Rotational viscosity of 60 ◦ C (Pa·s) ≥20,000 32,426
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 5 of 19

Table 9. Gradation of PAC-13 for testing.

Sieve Size (mm) 16.0 13.2 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.6 0.3 0.15 0.075
Through rate (%) 100 93.3 74.8 48.7 29.3 18.7 14.3 9.9 6.7 3.2

2.2. Preparation and Curing Process of Water-Retentive Asphalt Concrete

To prepare the water-retaining mortar, cement, fine sand, fly ash and SAP were first weighed
and mixed. Then, a certain amount of water and other ingredients were added. The ingredients were
thoroughly mixed until a uniform composition was obtained. Further experiments were conducted to
evaluate the workability of the PAC for filling into the voids to form water-retaining asphalt concrete
(WRAC). Before the preparation of WRAC samples, water-retentive mortar (WRS) samples were
prepared by first by pouring the mortar into standard Marshall samples and then cured at 20 ± 1 ◦ C with
relative humidity no less than 90%. At the same time, tests were conducted to evaluate the liquidity of
the fresh mortar and the water absorbing capacity, water retention capacity and compressive strength
of the hardened WRC. Finally, the water-retaining asphalt concrete (WRAC) was prepared by pouring
the freshly mixed mortar into the porous asphalt concrete followed by a period of curing with desired
duration. After preparation, the mortar that remained on the surface of the sample was removed by
rubbing with rubber.

2.3. Testing Methods

The water absorbing capacity, water retention capacity and compressive strength of hardened
water-retentive mortar; liquidity of the fresh mortar; as well as the rutting resistance, moisture
susceptibility, low temperature bending resistance, surface slip resistance and cooling effect of
water-retentive asphalt concrete were tested using at least three replicate specimens.

2.3.1. Water Absorbing and Retention Capacity

Specimens of 40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm dimensions were used for water absorbing and retention
capacity testing. After the specimen was for 7 days, it was placed in oven at 60 ◦ C until it reached
a constant weight. The mass (W 0 ) of the sample was then weighed when it cooled to the room
temperature. After that, the specimens were immersed in water. The weight (Wn ) of the wet samples
was then weighted after soaking in water for 2, 24 and 48 h. The wet samples removed from water
were wiped with lint-free cloth until no water dripped from the sample. The water absorption rate of
the water-retentive mortar was calculated using Equation (1).

Wn − W0
Q= (1)
W0

where Q is the water absorption rate; n = 2 h, 24 h, 48 h.

The water retention performance of the water-retaining mortar was expressed in terms of the
mass ratio of the remaining water. After the specimen reached the curing days, it was immersed in
water completely.
The specimen was then taken out when the specimen reached the water absorption balance. The
wet sample was then wiped dry with a lint-free cotton towel and weighed (m0 ). The specimen was
then placed in a blast oven set at 60 ◦ C, and weighed at a frequency of every 2 h for 24 h. The water
retention rate of the water-retentive mortar is calculated using Equation (2).

mt − W 0
R= (2)
m0 − W0

where R is the water retention rate (retained water as a percentage of total water).
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 6 of 19

The reported water absorption and retention results were the arithmetic mean of three
individual results.

2.3.2. Liquidity
In order to meet the construction requirements, the water-retentive mortar needs to have a certain
fluidity to ensure that it can penetrate into the voids of the porous asphalt concrete. The efflux time is
used as an indicator for evaluating the liquidity of the mortar. The shorter the effluent time, the better
the processability of the mortar. The device (NLD-3, Kedali Testing Instrument Co., Ltd., Cangzhou,
China) used to test the fluidity was a flow cone/funnel (T0507-2017 [25]). In the experiment, the flow
cone was fixed and leveled to ensure that it was perpendicular to the ground. The inside of the cone
was first wetted with water with the outlet of the discharge tube closed. Then 1725 ± 5 mL of water
was introduced into the cone and the horizontal position recorded. The timing was started when the
discharge nozzle was released. Timing stopped when the discharged water first appeared intermittent.
The water-retentive mortar was thoroughly mixed and quickly poured into the cone after the inner
wall of the cone was wetted. After the liquid level reached the previously marked position, the same
operation as before was started. Three samples were used for the liquidity test and averaged.

2.3.3. Compressive Strength and Flexural Strength

The water-retaining mortar test specimens with dimensions 40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm were used
for the compressive strength and flexural strength based on the T0506-2005 [25]. Three samples were
used for the compressive strength test, and six samples were used for the flexural strength.

2.3.4. Rutting Resistance

The test reference T0719-2011 [26] was made of a 300 mm × 300 mm × 50 mm rutting sample with
a wheel mill. The rutting samples were carried out at 60 ± 1 ◦ C.

2.3.5. Moisture Susceptibility

The freeze-thaw split test (T0729-2000 [26]) measured the strength ratio of the sample before and
after water damage. First, the four test pieces previously vacuumed for 15 min were placed in water at
normal pressure for 0.5 h. Then they were put in a plastic bag filled with 10 mL water. The bag was
then stored in a refrigerator for 12 h at −18 ◦ C. In the next step, these pieces were taken out and placed
in a water bath for 12 h at 60 ◦ C. This whole procedure constituted a freeze-thaw cycle. The remaining
samples were the control group and did not undergo the freeze-thaw cycle. The split test was carried
out at a loading speed of 50 mm/min and the maximum load was recorded. Retained Stability (RS) and
Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) are key evaluation indexes.
The freeze-thaw cycle test was carried out to study its effect on the void structure of the asphalt
mixture. Each freeze-thaw cycle is the same as described above, and the number of freeze-thaw cycles
are: 0 times, 1 time, 5 times, 10 times, 15 times [27]. Five samples were tested in a freeze-thaw cycle.
The rate of decline in splitting strength can be evaluated, which was calculated using Equation (3).

Pn − P0
T= (3)
P0

where T is the water retention rate; P0 is the splitting strength without freeze-thaw; Pn is the splitting
strength of the freeze-thaw cycle n times; n = 0, 1, 5, 10 and15 cycles.

2.3.6. Low Temperature Bending Resistance

The low temperature bending test of the asphalt mixture can be used to evaluate the bending
strength of the mixture, the strain at break and the bending stiffness modulus at the time of failure.
According to T0715-2011 [26], the water-retaining asphalt mixture rutting sample was cut into a
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 7 of 19

trabecular beam of 30 mm × 35 mm × 250 mm. The MTS test machine (CMT5105, Meters Industrial
Systems (China) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) was used, the test temperature was −10 ◦ C and the loading
rate was2019,
Materials 5 mm/min.
12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 19

2.3.7. Cooling
Materials 2019, 12,Effect
x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 19
filled with water-retentive mortar with optimal SAP dosage. In the center of each aliquot (seen in
Figure
filledThe 1),evaluation
with awater-retentive
circle was drawn
of the witheffect
cooling
mortar a radius
with of 40SAP
provided
optimal mm.
by theThe circle wascenter
water-retentive
dosage. In the then divided
asphalt into
concrete
of each aliquotthree
was equal
carried
(seen in
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out and
indoors. frilled
Each with
specimena depth(300 around
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300 cmmm to × fit
50 the
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was thermometer
divided
Figure 1), a circle was drawn with a radius of 40 mm. The circle was then divided into three equal into four probe.
equal The
portionssurface
and
temperature
filled
parts, with was measured
and water-retentive
frilled with a depth usingaround
mortar anwithinfrared
2 cm thermometer.
optimal to SAP
fit thedosage. TheInhome
electronic the designed
center
thermometer test
of each instrument
aliquot
probe. The (seen was
surfacein
shown
Figure in Figure
1), a circle
temperature waswas 2. The heating
drawn using
measured with aan lamp
radius that simulates
of 40thermometer.
infrared mm. The circle the sunlight
was
The was placed
then designed
home divided into 20 cm
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was
specimens,
and frilled which
with a ensured
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around the
2 cmirradiation
to fit the was perpendicular
electronic thermometer
shown in Figure 2. The heating lamp that simulates the sunlight was placed 20 cm above to the specimen.
probe. The After
surface the specimen
temperature the
reaching
was measured
specimens, thewhich
curing
using age
an was
ensured saturated
infrared
that with water,
thethermometer.
irradiation wasThe it home
was placed
perpendicular inthe
designed
to antest
oven. Below
instrument
specimen. the
After wasspecimen,
the shown
specimen ina
common
Figure
reaching rutting
2. the
The curingspecimen
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simulates
saturated withsimulate
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was
it was placed in
placed layer
20 of theBelow
cmoven.
an above actual
the pavement;
specimens,
the specimen, thea
which
hole
ensuredwas filled
that with
the foam
irradiation to prevent
was the lamp
perpendicular illuminating
to the directly.
specimen.
common rutting specimen was placed to simulate the underlying layer of the actual pavement; the The
After specimen
the specimen was surrounded
reaching the
by
holestyrene
curing was foam
agefilled
was plate
saturated
with foamfor
with heat
water,
to prevent preservation.
itthe
was placed
lamp After the directly.
in an oven.
illuminating heat
Belowlampthe was turned
Thespecimen,
specimen awason,surrounded
common the rutting
initial
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specimen
by styrene was ofplaced
foamthe deep
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to simulate andthe
for heat the surface waslayer
underlying
preservation. read.ofThen
After the the deep
the actual
heat layer
pavement;
lamp wasandthesurface
hole was
turned temperatures
on, filledinitial
the with
were
foam recorded
to prevent every
the 2
lamph for 8 h. The
illuminating test was
directly.repeated
The another
specimen four
was times after
surrounded
temperature of the deep layer and the surface was read. Then the deep layer and surface temperatures the
by sample
styrene had
foam cooled
plate
to
for
wereroom
heat temperature.
preservation.
recorded every 2After h for the
8 h.heat
The lamp
test was wasrepeated
turned on, the initial
another four temperature
times after the of sample
the deephad layer and
cooled
the surface was
to room temperature. read. Then the deep layer and surface temperatures were recorded every 2 h for 8 h.
The test was repeated another four times after the sample had cooled to room temperature.

Figure 1. Drilling diagram of sample.

Figure 1. Drilling diagram of sample.
Figure 1. Drilling diagram of sample.

Figure
Figure 2. Cooling test
2. Cooling test site.
site.

2.4. Microscopic Analysis Figure 2. Cooling test site.

2.4. Microscopic Analysis
In the case of conventional drying, SAP is small and is not easily detectable under microscopic
2.4. Microscopic
In the case Analysis
conditions whenofmixed
conventional drying,Some
with cement. SAP scholars
is small and
haveisindirectly
not easily proved
detectable
thatunder
SAP is microscopic
caused by
conditions when mixed with cement. Some scholars have indirectly proved that SAP is
In the case of conventional drying, SAP is small and is not easily detectable under microscopic caused by
observing
conditions large
whenpores
mixed[28,29], but the formation
with cement. of pores
Some scholars haveisindirectly
not necessarily
provedduethattoSAP
the loss of water
is caused by
from SAP.large
observing Therefore, this paper
pores [28,29], but directly observed
the formation SAP isthrough
of pores a different
not necessarily duemethod: theofbroken
to the loss water
sample particles
from SAP. were saturated
Therefore, this paperwith water observed
directly and placedSAPin a freeze
through dryer for 48 h, method:
a different the temperature was
the broken
set to −40
sample °C, thewere
particles SAPsaturated
in the sample was kept
with water and in the volume
placed in a freezeafter being
dryer forsaturated with water, was
48 h, the temperature and
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 8 of 19

observing large pores [28,29], but the formation of pores is not necessarily due to the loss of water
from SAP. Therefore, this paper directly observed SAP through a different method: the broken sample
particles were saturated with water and placed in a freeze dryer for 48 h, the temperature was set
to −40 ◦ C, the SAP in the sample was kept in the volume after being saturated with water, and then
samples were performed using SEM (Hitachi S-4800, Tokyo, Japan). At desired locations, an energy
dispersive spectrometer (EDS, X-Max50, Oxford Instrument Technology Co., Ltd., Oxford, UK) was
used to reveal the elemental composition of the material and analyze the content.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Preparation of Water-Retaining Mortar

3.1.1. Compressive Strength and Flexural Strength

The mortar sample of the single water-absorbent resin (SAP) is numbered in the form of SX-ZY
(abbreviated as XZY in the Table 10), where S represents SAP, X represents the water absorption
percentage of SAP, Z represents the type of SAP (A, B, C, and D), and Y represents volumetric content
of the water-retentive mortar. For example, 3A7 represents the volume amount of the A-type SAP
having a water absorption percentage of 30% was 70%. The composition of the base mortar was 225 g
of water, 450 g of cement, 1350 g of sand, and 45 g of fly ash.

Table 10. The number of SAP mortar samples.

Water Absorption Percentage of Volumetric Content of the

Abbreviation
SAP (%) Water-Retentive Mortar (%)
30 30 S30-Z-30(3Z3)
30 50 S30-Z-50(3Z5)
30 70 S30-Z-70(3Z7)
50 30 S50-Z-30(5Z3)
50 50 S50-Z-50(5Z5)
50 70 S50-Z-70(5Z7)
70 30 S70-Z-30(7Z3)
70 50 S70-Z-50(7Z5)
70 70 S70-Z-70(7Z7)
100 30 S100-Z-30(10Z3)
100 50 S100-Z-50(10Z5)
100 70 S100-Z-70(10Z7)

Twelve kinds of different water absorption rates and different amounts of SAP were used to test
the water-retentive mortar to determine the best mix ratio. It can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that
the 7 d flexural strength of the water-retentive mortar with SAP was above 2.0 MPa, and the 7 d
compressive strength was obviously above 10.0 MPa, which meets road design requirements [23].
When the water absorption rate of SAP was the same, the 7 d flexural strength and 7 d compressive
strength of the water-retentive mortar gradually decreased with the increase of the water-absorbent
resin content. It showed that if the amount of SAP was increased, the strength would be affected
adversely, and the effect on 7 d compressive strength was the most significant, with a drop of about
3.0–4.0 MPa. The main reason was that with the increase of SAP content, the water content would
increase, although more water would promote the hydration reaction of the cement, but the water
supplied by SAP in different mixing ratios exceeded the moisture required for the complete hydration
of the cement. The moisture exceeded the moisture required for the complete hydration of the cement.
After the water-retaining mortar sample was cured for 7 days, as the moisture in the SAP partially
evaporated and reacted, more holes were formed in the water-retentive mortar, and the strength of the
water-retentive mortar would decrease as a result. When the amount of SAP was kept constant, with
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 9 of 19

Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 19

the increase of SAP water absorption rate, the change law of the strength of water-retentive mortar
was generally
Materials 2019, 12,ax trend of increasing
FOR PEER REVIEW first and then decreasing, but there was no large difference. 9 of 19

Figure 3. Compressive strength of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.

Figure 3. Compressive strength of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.
Figure 3. Compressive strength of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.

Figure 4. Flexural strength of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.

Figure 4. Flexural strength of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.
The strength of the water-retaining mortar can meet the requirements. With almost equal
proportion
3.1.2. Liquidity Figure
of water 4. Flexuralrate,
absorption strength
highofstrength
water-retentive mortar in different
and economical SAP types.
mixing ratios were selected for as
much as possible. Therefore, the initial choice of four kinds of SAP mixing ratios were S50-A-50 and
3.1.2.ItLiquidity
S70-A-50,
can be concluded from Figure 5 that when the water absorption rate of SAP was kept the same,
S50-B-30 and S70-B-50, S50-C-30 and S50-C-70, S50-D-50 and S70-D-50.
the fluidity of the water-retaining mortar gradually reduced as the SAP content increased. Higher
amountsIt can beSAP
of concluded
provided frommore
Figuremoisture,
5 that when the water
which madeabsorption rate of SAPmortar
the water-retentive was kept the same,
more fluid.
3.1.2. Liquidity
the fluiditywhile
However, of the thewater-retaining
water absorption mortar gradually
rate was reduced asincreased,
also significantly the SAP content
the strengthincreased.
of theHigher
water-
amounts
retaining ofbeSAP
It canmortar provided
concluded
was more
from
negatively moisture,
Figure 5 that
affected. which
Thewhen
greater made
the theabsorption
water
amount ofwater-retentive
SAP content ofmortar
rate included,
SAP was morekept
after fluid.
the
drying
However,
same, while the water
the fluidity ofmortar,
the water-retentive absorption
the water-retaining rate was
the more watermortar also significantly
will begradually
absorbed.reducedincreased,
as the
At the same theSAP
time, strength
content
when of the water-
increased.
the amount of
retaining
SAP was constant, the fluidity of the water-retentive mortar was gradually reduced as thedrying
Higher mortar
amounts was
of negatively
SAP providedaffected.
more The greater
moisture, amount
which of
made SAP
the content included,
water-retentive after
mortar more
water
the water-retentive
fluid. However,
absorption of mortar,
rate while thethe the more
water water
absorption
water-retentive will
rate be
mortar was absorbed. At the same
also significantly
increased. Mainly time,
increased,
because thewhenthe the amount
strength
greater the of of
the
water
SAP was constant,
water-retaining
absorption of SAP,mortarthe fluidity
thewasmore of theis water-retentive
negatively
water affected.
supplied,The mortar
andgreater
the was
amount
better thegradually
of reduced
SAP content
fluidity of as the water
included,
the water-retentive after
absorption
drying the rate of the
water-retentive water-retentive
mortar, the mortar
more increased.
water will be Mainly
absorbed. because
At
mortar would be. The water absorption rate of the water-retentive mortar first increases and then the the
same greater
time, the
whenwater
the
absorption
amount of of
SAP SAP,
was the more
constant, water
the is
fluidity supplied,
of the and the better
water-retentive the
mortar fluidity
was of
gradually
decreases, indicating that the water absorption rate of SAP is not as high as possible. The fluidity was the water-retentive
reduced as the
mortar
water
less than would
12 s, be.
absorption Themeets
rate
which ofwater absorption
the water-retentive
the requirementsratemortar
of
[1],the water-retentive
increased.
but Mainly
low fluidity ismortar
because
beneficialfirst toincreases
the greater
the andfilling
the
mortar then
water
decreases, indicating that the water absorption rate of SAP is not as high as
porous asphalt concrete. Combined with the initial selection, meeting the requirements of liquidity possible. The fluidity was
less than 12 s, which meets the requirements [1], but low fluidity is beneficial
and economy, the final four mixing ratios selected were S50-A-50, S70-B-50, S50-C-30 and S50-D-50. to the mortar filling
porous asphalt concrete. Combined with the initial selection, meeting the requirements of liquidity
and economy, the final four mixing ratios selected were S50-A-50, S70-B-50, S50-C-30 and S50-D-50.
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 10 of 19

absorption of SAP, the more water is supplied, and the better the fluidity of the water-retentive mortar
would be. The water absorption rate of the water-retentive mortar first increases and then decreases,
indicating that the water absorption rate of SAP is not as high as possible. The fluidity was less than 12
s, which meets the requirements [1], but low fluidity is beneficial to the mortar filling porous asphalt
Materials 2019,
concrete. 12, x FOR PEER
Combined with REVIEW 10 of
the initial selection, meeting the requirements of liquidity and economy, 19
the
final four mixing ratios selected were S50-A-50, S70-B-50, S50-C-30 and S50-D-50.

Figure 5. Liquidity of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.

Figure 5. Liquidity of water-retentive mortar in different SAP types.
3.2. Screening of Water-Retentive Mortar
3.2. Screening of Water-Retentive Mortar
According to the mechanical strength, SAP content and fluidity, the optimal mix ratio of the four
typesAccording to the mechanical
of SAP water-retentive strength,
mortar SAP
is shown incontent and fluidity, the optimal mix ratio of the four
Table 11.
types of SAP water-retentive mortar is shown in Table 11.
Table 11. The mix ratio of the four types of SAP water-retentive mortar.
Table 11. The mix ratio of the four types of SAP water-retentive mortar.
Types of SAP The Mix Ratio
Types of SAP
A The mix ratio
S50-A-50
A B S70-B-50
S50-A-50
C S50-C-30
B S70-B-50
D S50-D-50
C S50-C-30
D Capacity
3.2.1. Water Absorbing and Retention S50-D-50

3.2.1.The
Waterwater-retaining
Absorbing and material should
Retention have good water absorption and water retention, which can
Capacity
ensure that the road surface can quickly absorb water under the condition of rain, preventing the
Theof
forming water-retaining material
puddles or water rafts should have surface,
on the road good waterandabsorption
improvingand
the water
abilityretention,
of the roadwhich can
surface
ensure that the road surface can quickly absorb water under the condition of rain,
to cool down. It can be seen intuitively from Figure 6 that the water absorption of S50-D-50 was preventing the
forming of puddles
significantly higher or water
than rafts
other mixonratios,
the road
andsurface, andabsorption
the water improving of
thethe
ability of the road surface
water-retentive mortar
to cool down. It can be seen intuitively from Figure 6 that the water absorption
increases with time. The increase in water absorption between 2 h and 24 h was substantially of S50-D-50 wasthe
significantly
same higher between
as the increase than other24 mix
h andratios,
48 h. and the water absorption
The water-retaining mortarof the water-retentive
could absorb more water mortar
in a
increases
short timewith time. The increase
and continuously absorbinwater
waterforabsorption
a long time,between 2 hthat
indicating andit24 h was
could substantially
adapt the
to short-term
same as the increase between 24 h and 48 h. The water-retaining mortar could absorb
precipitation and watering, and absorb enough water during long-term precipitation. From the test more water in
a short S50-D-50
results, time and showed
continuously absorb
the best waterwater for a long
absorption time, indicating that it could adapt to short-
effect.
term precipitation and watering, and absorb enough water during long-term precipitation. From the
test results, S50-D-50 showed the best water absorption effect.
It can be seen from Figure 7 that with the increase of time, the water retention rate of the water-
retaining mortar was decreased, and the downward trend was obvious. After 24 h, the water
retention rates of S50-A-50, S70-B-50, S50-C-30 dropped to 0%, and only S60-D-50 had 2.56%
remaining. In practice, the time of the road surface under such high temperature conditions will not
be too long, so the number of days of water retention can be extended. In summary, the final mix
ratio of the water-retaining mortar was water-absorbing resin with D-type SAP having a water
absorption of 50%, and a volume amount of 50%.
Materials 2019,
Materials 12, x1964
2019, 12, FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of
11 of 19
19

Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 19

Figure 6. Water absorption rate of water-retentive mortar at different times.

Figure 6. Water absorption rate of water-retentive mortar at different times.
It can be seen from Figure 7 that with the increase of time, the water retention rate of the
water-retaining mortar was decreased, and the downward trend was obvious. After 24 h, the water
retention rates of S50-A-50, S70-B-50, S50-C-30 dropped to 0%, and only S60-D-50 had 2.56% remaining.
In practice, the time of the road surface under such high temperature conditions will not be too long,
so the number of days of water retention can be extended. In summary, the final mix ratio of the
water-retaining mortar was water-absorbing resin with D-type SAP having a water absorption of 50%,
Figure 6. Water absorption rate of water-retentive mortar at different times.
and a volume amount of 50%.

Figure 7. Water retention rate of water-retentive mortar at different times.

3.2.2. Microscopic Analysis

In order to observe the microscopic morphology of the particles, the interfacial state of the water-
retentive mortar was studied by collecting SEM images with magnification in the range of 5000–
10,000 times. Then, the elemental composition and content of the granules were obtained by EDS to
Figure 7. Water retention rate of water-retentive mortar at different times.
determine the compositionFigure 7. Water
of the retention rate of water-retentive mortar at different times.
material.
3.2.2.Abundant
Microscopic hydration
Analysis products, such as calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) and ettringite (AFt), can
3.2.2. Microscopic Analysis
be clearly seen in Figure 8. It can be also seen in Figure 8a that the hydration of fly ash, 66 μm in
In order to observe the microscopic morphology of the particles, the interfacial state of the
diameter,
In took
order toplace
observe under microscopic
the action of alkali activation. The sample was freeze-dried so that the
water-retentive mortar thewas studied bymorphology
collecting SEM of the particles,
images withthe interfacial
magnification state
in of
thethe water-
range of
volume
retentive of the
mortar SAP did not change much after water loss, as shown in Figure 8b, and elemental
5000–10,000 times.was Then,studied by collecting
the elemental SEM images
composition with of
and content magnification
the granules in theobtained
were range ofby5000–EDS
analysis
10,000 by energy
times. Then, spectrometer
the elemental revealed that
composition the elemental composition was similar, and the
to determine the composition of the material. and content of the granules were obtained by EDS to
diameter
determine was only 6
the compositionμm. Generally, the
of the material.dried SAP has a particle size of 3–38 μm and rapidly expands
Abundant hydration products, such as calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) and ettringite (AFt), can
to 200–600
Abundantμm after being saturated with water [30]. Some ofhydrates
the dried SAP particles formed grooves
be clearly seen hydration
in Figure 8. products,
It can besuch asseen
also calcium silicate
in Figure 8a that the(C-S-H)
hydration andof ettringite
fly ash,(AFt),
66 µmcan in
(Figure
be 8c)seen
clearly that collapse
in Figure to8.form
It cana film-like
be also stacked
seen in structure
Figure 8a [31,32].
that the After the release
hydration of fly of water,
ash, 66 μmSAPin
diameter, took place under the action of alkali activation. The sample was freeze-dried so that the
formed
diameter, uniformly distributed theunconnected micropores in the
Themortar, which could bufferso the forces
volume of took the SAP placedidunder
not change action
muchofafter
alkali activation.
water loss, as shown sample was8b,
in Figure freeze-dried
and elemental that the
analysis
caused
volume byoffreezing
the SAP ofdid
water,
not and
changeweremuch
beneficial
after to reduce
water theaspermeability
loss, shown in and pore
Figure 8b, connectivity
and elemental of
by energy spectrometer revealed that the elemental composition was similar, and the diameter was
the mortar.
analysis A large
byGenerally, amount
energy spectrometer of ettringite crystals existed between the film and the pore walls (Figure
only 6 µm. the dried SAPrevealed that size
has a particle the ofelemental
3–38 µmcomposition was similar,
and rapidly expands and µm
to 200–600 the
8d), and the
diameter was Ca(OH)
only 6 andGenerally,
2μm. AFt were the distributed
dried SAPin has
a discontinuous
a particle sizethree-dimensional
of 3–38 μm and structure.
rapidly The
expands
after being saturated with water [30]. Some of the dried SAP particles formed grooves (Figure 8c) that
water–cement
to 200–600 ratio near
beingthe SAP particles is relatively large, ofwhich promotes the mass production of
collapse to μm
formaftera film-like saturated with water
stacked structure [30]. After
[31,32]. Some the the dried
release ofSAP particles
water, formed
SAP formed grooves
uniformly
ettringite,
(Figure and
8c) that the pores
collapse to left after the formation
form a film-like of SAP
stackedwhich water
structure loss collapse provide sufficient space
distributed unconnected micropores in the mortar, could[31,32].
buffer After the release
the forces caused of bywater,
freezingSAP of
for the growth
formed uniformly of ettringite,
distributed so unconnected
the ettringitemicropores
grows densely in thenear the SAP
mortar, whichfilmcould
and the microporous
buffer the forces
caused by freezing of water, and were beneficial to reduce the permeability and pore connectivity of
the mortar. A large amount of ettringite crystals existed between the film and the pore walls (Figure
8d), and the Ca(OH)2 and AFt were distributed in a discontinuous three-dimensional structure. The
water–cement ratio near the SAP particles is relatively large, which promotes the mass production of
ettringite, and the pores left after the formation of SAP water loss collapse provide sufficient space
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 12 of 19

water, and were beneficial to reduce the permeability and pore connectivity of the mortar. A large
amount of ettringite crystals existed between the film and the pore walls (Figure 8d), and the Ca(OH)2
and AFt were distributed in a discontinuous three-dimensional structure. The water–cement ratio near
the SAP particles is relatively large, which promotes the mass production of ettringite, and the pores
Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 19
left after the formation of SAP water loss collapse provide sufficient space for the growth of ettringite,
so the ettringite
wall, and is filledgrows
to densely near the
some extent by SAP film and
the pores the microporous
formed by the SAP,wall, and is filled
significantly to some extent
inhibiting plastic
by the pores formed by
shrinkage and microcracks. the SAP, significantly inhibiting plastic shrinkage and microcracks.

(a)

(b)

(c) (d)

Figure8.8.SEM
Figure SEMimages.
images.(a)
(a)Fly
Flyash;
ash;(b)
(b)SAP;
SAP;(c)
(c)hole
holeformed
formedby
bydry
drySAP;
SAP;(d)
(d)AFt
AFtand
andCa(OH)
Ca(OH)2 .2.

3.3.
3.3.Properties
PropertiesofofWater-Retaining
Water-RetainingAsphalt
AsphaltConcrete
Concrete
The
TheS50-A-50,
S50-A-50,S70-B-50,
S70-B-50,S50-C-30
S50-C-30and
andS50-D-50
S50-D-50types
typesofofwater-retentive
water-retentivemortar
mortarwere
wereprepared
prepared
for
for mixture performance test. The water-retaining mortar was poured into the air void of theporous
mixture performance test. The water-retaining mortar was poured into the air void of the porous
asphalt
asphaltconcrete
concretethrough
throughaavibrating
vibratingtable.
table.After
After28
28days
daysofofsolidification,
solidification,the
thewater-retentive
water-retentiveasphalt
asphalt
concrete sample was tested and evaluated according to experiments on the rutting resistance,
moisture susceptibility, low temperature bending resistance, surface slip resistance and cooling
effect. Figure 9 shows two examples of the Marshall and rutting samples of water-retentive asphalt
concrete. In order to compare with water-retentive asphalt concrete, the same test was conducted on
the porous asphalt concrete samples.
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 13 of 19

concrete sample was tested and evaluated according to experiments on the rutting resistance, moisture
susceptibility, low temperature bending resistance, surface slip resistance and cooling effect. Figure 9
shows two examples of the Marshall and rutting samples of water-retentive asphalt concrete. In order
to compare with water-retentive asphalt concrete, the same test was conducted on the porous asphalt
concrete
Materials samples.
2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 19

Figure9.9.Samples
Figure Samplesafter
afterpouring
pouringwater-retentive
water-retentivemortar
mortar(the leftis isΦ101.6
(theleft Φ101.6mm
mm× ×63.5
63.5mm
mmMarshall
Marshall
sample,and
sample, andthe
theright
rightisis300
300mm
mm× ×300
300mm
mm××50 50mm
mmrutting
ruttingsample).
sample).

3.3.1.
3.3.1.Rutting
RuttingResistance
Resistance
Wheel
Wheeltracking
trackingtesttest
waswas
usedused
to evaluate the rutting
to evaluate resistance
the rutting of water-retentive
resistance asphalt concrete
of water-retentive asphalt
and PAC. and
concrete TablePAC.
12 shows
Table the test results
12 shows with
the test indexwith
results of Dynamic Stability (DS),
index of Dynamic indicating
Stability that all
(DS), indicating
mixtures showed good
that all mixtures showed high temperature
good stability.stability.
high temperature The DSs Theof DSs
S50-A-50, S70-B-50,
of S50-A-50, S50-C-30
S70-B-50, and
S50-C-30
S50-D-50 water-retentive asphalt concrete were 9336, 10,024, 9658 and 10,552
and S50-D-50 water-retentive asphalt concrete were 9336, 10,024, 9658 and 10,552 times/mm, times/mm, respectively,
nearly twice thenearly
respectively, DS of twice
PAC (5374 times/mm).
the DS The aggregates
of PAC (5374 times/mm). of The
PACaggregates
were in contact
of PACwithwere
eachinother in
contact
the form of dots, and the embedded structure was poor. However, high viscosity
with each other in the form of dots, and the embedded structure was poor. However, high viscosity asphalt modifier
added
asphalt during the added
modifier mixingduring
process, thewhich
mixing significantly
process, whichincreases the viscosity
significantly of the
increases theasphalt binder,
viscosity of the
caused the high temperature stability of PAC. For water-retentive asphalt concrete,
asphalt binder, caused the high temperature stability of PAC. For water-retentive asphalt concrete, in addition to the
effect of high-viscosity asphalt modifier, the infused water-retentive mortar was
in addition to the effect of high-viscosity asphalt modifier, the infused water-retentive mortar was filled into the gap
between thethe
filled into aggregates,
gap betweenand the
the structure
aggregates, of the
andmixture was transformed
the structure of the mixture into was
a “skeleton-densified”
transformed into a
structure, which supports the aggregate. The ability to resist deformation has
“skeleton-densified” structure, which supports the aggregate. The ability to resist deformation been greatly improved. has
Therefore,
been greatly improved. Therefore, the aggregate in the water-retaining asphalt concrete was to
the aggregate in the water-retaining asphalt concrete was not easily moved by exposure not
high temperature. Furthermore, the SAP particle size and water absorption
easily moved by exposure to high temperature. Furthermore, the SAP particle size and water rate have different effects.
The smaller the
absorption rateparticle size, theeffects.
have different larger The
the specific
smaller surface area,size,
the particle the the
stronger
largerthetheadhesion and water
specific surface area,
absorption
the stronger the adhesion and water absorption capacity. Therefore, the water-retentive ability
capacity. Therefore, the water-retentive asphalt concrete had the more anti-rutting asphalt
than the PAC.
concrete had the more anti-rutting ability than the PAC.
Table 12. Dynamic Stability test results.
Table 12. Dynamic Stability test results.
Types of Asphalt Mixtures Dynamic Stability (times/mm)
Types of Asphalt Mixtures Dynamic Stability (times/mm)
S50-A-50
S50-A-50 9336
9336
S70-B-50 10,024
S70-B-50 10,024
S50-C-30 9658
S50-C-30
S50-D-50 9658
10,552
S50-D-50
PAC 10,552
5374
PAC 5374
3.3.2. Moisture Susceptibility
3.3.2. Moisture Susceptibility
Marshall immersion test and freeze-thaw split test were used to evaluate the moisture susceptibility
Marshall immersion
of water-retentive test and
asphalt concrete andfreeze-thaw split testasphalt
PAC. Water-retentive were used to has
concrete evaluate
a muchthe moisture
smaller air
susceptibility of water-retentive asphalt concrete and PAC. Water-retentive asphalt concrete has a
much smaller air void than PAC due to the hardened water retention mortar filled in the air voids,
which is beneficial to increasing the overall strength and stability.
As shown in Table 13, water-retentive asphalt mixture and PAC showed good sensitivity to
moisture. The Marshall stability and retained stability of the water-retentive asphalt mixture were
higher than that of the PAC, and the retained stability reached 88% which was higher than the
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 14 of 19

void than PAC due to the hardened water retention mortar filled in the air voids, which is beneficial to
increasing the overall strength and stability.
As shown in Table 13, water-retentive asphalt mixture and PAC showed good sensitivity to
moisture. The Marshall stability and retained stability of the water-retentive asphalt mixture were
higher than that of the PAC, and the retained stability reached 88% which was higher than the standard
Materials
value (RS2019, 12, x FOR
≥ 85%). PEER REVIEW
It showed 14 of 19
that the filling of the water-retaining mortar improved the water stability
of the large pore asphalt pavement. Furthermore, it can be seen that the freeze-thaw splitting strength of
(TSR
the ≥80%). The filling
water-retaining of the
asphalt water-retaining
mixture mortar did
met the requirements ofnot
the reduce the TSR
specification of ≥
(TSR the asphalt
80%). The mixture,
filling of
indicating that the durability of the water-retaining asphalt concrete was not significantly
the water-retaining mortar did not reduce the TSR of the asphalt mixture, indicating that the durability reduced,
butthe
of had a certain improvement.
water-retaining asphalt concrete was not significantly reduced, but had a certain improvement.

Table 13. Moisture

Table 13. Moisture susceptibility test results
susceptibility test results (one
(one freeze-thaw
freeze-thaw cycle).
cycle).

Properties
Properties S50-A-50
S50-A-50 S70-B-50S50-C-30
S70-B-50 S50-C-30 S50-D-50
S50-D-50 PACPAC
Marshall stability (kN) 7.62 7.67 7.51 7.75 7.48
Marshall stability (kN) 7.62 7.67 7.51 7.75 7.48
Retainedstability
Retained stability(RS)
(RS)(%)
(%) 90.4 90.4 91.1 91.1 88.288.2 92.592.5 87.387.3
Splittingtensile
Splitting tensilestrength
strength(MPa)
(MPa) 0.67 0.67 0.71 0.71 0.660.66 0.700.70 0.640.64
Splitting tensile strength after
Splitting tensile strength after freeze-thaw 0.56
0.56 0.59 0.59 0.540.54 0.590.59 0.520.52
freeze-thaw
(MPa)(MPa)
Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) (%) 83.5 83.1 81.8 84.3 80.7
Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) (%) 83.5 83.1 81.8 84.3 80.7

As shown in Figure 10, splitting tensile strength decreased with the increase of the number of
freeze-thaw
freeze-thaw cycles.
cycles. TheThesplitting
splittingtensile
tensilestrength
strength of of
thethe
mixture decreased
mixture decreased significantly during
significantly the first
during the
few freeze-thaw cycles. After about 10 freeze-thaw cycles, the rate of change in
first few freeze-thaw cycles. After about 10 freeze-thaw cycles, the rate of change in splitting tensile splitting tensile strength
slowed
strengthand the trend
slowed and thegradually became flat.
trend gradually It canflat.
became be seen
It canfrom Figure
be seen 11 that
from Figure SAP11mortar
that SAPis effective
mortar
for improving
is effective the splitting
for improving thestrength.
splittingAfter 15 freeze-thaw
strength. cycles, thecycles,
After 15 freeze-thaw rate ofthe decline
rate ofindecline
the splitting
in the
strength of PAC was 61.9%, while the drop rate of SAP was 48.1%–55.3%,
splitting strength of PAC was 61.9%, while the drop rate of SAP was 48.1%–55.3%, which was less which was less susceptible to
water damage
susceptible than PAC.
to water damageThe than
splitting
PAC. tensile strength of
The splitting asphalt
tensile mixture
strength of is mainlymixture
asphalt composed of the
is mainly
skeleton
composed action
of theofskeleton
coarse aggregate, the bonding
action of coarse actionthe
aggregate, of bonding
asphalt and SAPofcement
action asphaltmortar.
and SAP Under the
cement
action of repeated saturated freezing and thawing cycles,
mortar. Under the action of repeated saturated freezing and thawing cycles, the internal voids of the specimens will enter
internal voids of the
the water, and
specimens willthe
enterfreethe
water
water,andandthethe
crystal
free water in andthethe
SAP will increase
crystal water in in thevolume
SAP will after freezing,
increase in
resulting
volume after in a large
freezing,expansion
resultingforce.
in aThe largeadhesion
expansion of asphalt to aggregates
force. The adhesion decays
of asphaltfaster, so that the
to aggregates
splitting tensileso
decays faster, strength
that theofsplitting
the mixture decreases
tensile strengthrapidly during
of the the first
mixture few freeze-thaw
decreases cycles.the
rapidly during Asfirst
the
number of freeze-thaw
few freeze-thaw cycles.cycles
As theincreases,
numberthe ofinternal
freeze-thaw porescycles
of the mixture
increases, become larger, the
the internal poresstructure
of the
will become
mixture becomeloose, and the
larger, the external
structuremoisture
will becomewill easily
loose, enter theexternal
and the interior moisture
of the asphalt membrane,
will easily enter
weakening
the interior the adhesion
of the asphaltbetween
membrane, the asphalt
weakening membrane and thebetween
the adhesion aggregate.the The contribution
asphalt membrane ofand
the
splitting tensileThe
the aggregate. strength is reduced,
contribution of thebut the cement
splitting mortar
tensile has aiscertain
strength reduced, strength,
but theand the asphalt
cement mortar andhas
aggregate are wrapped
a certain strength, to reduce
and the asphaltthe and adhesion
aggregate attenuation.
are wrapped to reduce the adhesion attenuation.

Figure 10.
Figure Splitting tensile
10. Splitting tensile strength
strength after
after freeze-thaw
freeze-thaw cycle.
cycle.
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 15 of 19
Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 19

Figure 11. Rate of decline in splitting tensile strength after freeze-thaw cycle.
Figure 11. Rate of decline in splitting tensile strength after freeze-thaw cycle.
3.3.3. Low Temperature Bending Resistance
3.3.3. Low Temperature Bending Resistance
According to the asphalt mixture bending test procedure, the stiffness modulus value can be used
According
to characterize the to the
crackasphalt mixture
resistance bending
of the mixture.test The
procedure,
smaller the
the stiffness
modulusmodulus
value, thevalue can the
greater be
used to characterize the crack resistance of the mixture. The smaller the modulus
energy required to break the material, and the better the crack resistance of the mixture. The bending value, the greater
the energy
strain reflectsrequired
the lowtotemperature
break the material,
resistance andof the
the better
asphalt the crack resistance
mixture. of the mixture.
The test results are shown Thein
bending strain reflects the low temperature resistance of the asphalt mixture. The
Table 14. It can be seen that the water-retaining asphalt mixture has a lower bending strength than PAC, test results are
shown
of which in S70-B-50
Table 14.was It can
6.48be seenThe
MPa. that the water-retaining
bending strain of S50-D-50 asphalt
wasmixture has It
3383 MPa. a was
lower bending
found that
strength than PAC, of which S70-B-50 was 6.48 MPa. The bending strain of S50-D-50
when the bending strain was larger, the stiffness modulus of water-retentive asphalt mixture was much was 3383 MPa.
It was found
smaller. that
It can bewhen
seen the
thatbending strain
the filling waswater-retentive
of the larger, the stiffness modulus
mortar of water-retentive
improved asphalt
the low-temperature
mixture was much
performance of the smaller.
large-pore It can be seen
asphalt that the The
pavement. filling of the
main water-retentive
reason mortar
is that PAC was improved
a typical the
mixture
low-temperature performance of the large-pore asphalt pavement. The main reason
with a skeleton-void structure which resulted in a relatively small bond area of aggregated particles is that PAC was
aand
typical mixture with
the macroscopic anda skeleton-void structure
microscopic texture of the which resulted inasphalt
water-retentive a relatively small
mixture madebond area of
it easier to
aggregated particles and the
generate stress concentrations [1]. macroscopic and microscopic texture of the water-retentive asphalt
mixture made it easier to generate stress concentrations [1].
Table 14. Low temperature bending test results.
Table 14. Low temperature bending test results.
Properties Bending Strength (MPa) Bending Strain (10−3 ) Stiffness Modulus (MPa)
Bending Strength Stiffness
PCA Properties 6.67 Bending
1.81 Strain (10−3) 3685
S50-A-50 6.62 (MPa) 1.85 Modulus
3577 (MPa)
S70-B-50 PCA 6.46 6.67 1.78 1.81 36213685
S50-C-30S50-A-50 6.58 6.62 1.88 1.85 34943577
S50-D-50S70-B-50 6.53 6.46 1.96 1.78 33833621
S50-C-30 6.58 1.88 3494
3.4. Cooling Effect
S50-D-50 6.53 1.96 3383
One of the most important characteristics of water-retaining pavement is the cooling effect. The
3.4. Cooling Effect
paper conducted the experiment indoors from 9:00 to 17:00 every day to simulate the daytime. It
can be seen
One of from Figures
the most 12 andcharacteristics
important 13 that the surface temperature ofpavement
of water-retaining the five mixtures was higher
is the cooling effect.than
The
the temperature
paper conducted inside the mixtures.
the experiment Within
indoors from3 9:00
h exposure
to 17:00 to heating
every day lamp, the surface
to simulate temperature
the daytime. It can
difference
be seen from between
Figures the
12five
andsamples wassurface
13 that the small, due to containing
temperature of thea five
certain amount
mixtures wasof higher
water. than
Then,the
as
the time went on, the temperature difference between PAC and SAP water-retaining
temperature inside the mixtures. Within 3 h exposure to heating lamp, the surface temperature asphalt mixture
increased first
difference and then
between decreased.
the five samplesThe wascooling
small, effect
due toofcontaining
S50-D-50 water-retaining
a certain amount asphalt mixture
of water. Then,was
as
better
the than
time wentthat
on,ofthe
thetemperature
other three SAP water-retaining
difference between PAC asphalt
and mixtures, owing to the
SAP water-retaining smallmixture
asphalt particle
size of S50-D-50,
increased thethen
first and waterdecreased.
storage capacity was strong,
The cooling effect the surface and
of S50-D-50 internal temperature
water-retaining asphaltdifference
mixture
withbetter
was PAC reached
than that of ◦the
13.1 C and
other14.3 ◦ C, respectively. The reason can be explained by considering
three SAP water-retaining asphalt mixtures, owing to the small
two aspects.
particle size ofOn the one the
S50-D-50, hand, thestorage
water moisture contentwas
capacity of the water-retaining
strong, the surface andasphalt mixture
internal and the
temperature
evaporation
difference of water
with PAC takes away
reached most
13.1 °C of the14.3
and heat.°C,
Onrespectively.
the other hand, Thethe overall
reason color
can of the asphalt
be explained by
considering two aspects. On the one hand, the moisture content of the water-retaining asphalt
mixture and the evaporation of water takes away most of the heat. On the other hand, the overall
and stabilized. The surface and internal temperature differences were 4.3–8.2 °C and 6.1–9.8 °C after
the fifth time, respectively. Due to SAP adherence to pollutants (such as dust) before each immersion,
it reduces the ability to store water repeatedly, but the water absorption capacity will gradually
stabilize and still have the effect of cooling.
Since the comparison of S50-D-50 with PAC is representative, a cycle is listed separately for
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 16 of 19
analysis (Figure 14). The results demonstrated that as discussed previously, the surface temperatures
of the two mixtures were higher than the internal temperatures, the difference in the former
mixture was black,
temperature and the
accelerated, asphalt
and was adifference
the latter highly heat-absorbing
of temperature material. If the temperature
was gradually cannot be
reduced, associated
effectively
with lowered, the
the accelerated losstemperature
of SAP water. of the
Theasphalt
surfacepavement will be
temperature of much higher than
the S50-D-50 was the atmospheric
higher than the
temperature,
internal while the
temperature ofcolor of the
the PAC water-retaining
due mortar is white,
to direct illumination, and thewhich reduces growth
temperature the absorption rate
of the SAP
of solar
water radiation.
retention AtItaappears
fell. depth ofthat
2 cm, the reduce
it can increasethe
in road
temperature is mainly
temperature, caused
improve thebyhigh
heattemperature
conduction,
while theofheat
stability thetransfer of the mortar
road surface, absorbisand slower, and the
preserve SAP in the
rainwater, andupper
slowmortar
down absorbs
the urbanfrom theisland
heat lower
layer after
effect. Thislosing water.
material Therefore
is suitable thethe
for temperature
temperate inside the water-retentive
monsoon climate and the asphalt mixture
subtropical is lower
monsoon
than theand
climate, temperature insideeconomic
has important the PAC. impact potential.

Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 19

Figure 12. The surface temperature of the five mixtures.
Figure 12. The surface temperature of the five mixtures.

Figure 13. The internal temperature of the five mixtures.

Figure 13. The internal temperature of the five mixtures.
However, after five cycles, it can be found that the temperature difference between PAC and SAP
water-retentive asphalt mixture was reduced, but the reduction range was decreased each cycle and
stabilized. The surface and internal temperature differences were 4.3–8.2 ◦ C and 6.1–9.8 ◦ C after the
fifth time, respectively. Due to SAP adherence to pollutants (such as dust) before each immersion, it
reduces the ability to store water repeatedly, but the water absorption capacity will gradually stabilize
and still have the effect of cooling.
Since the comparison of S50-D-50 with PAC is representative, a cycle is listed separately for
analysis (Figure 14). The results demonstrated that as discussed previously, the surface temperatures of
the two mixtures were higher than the internal temperatures, the difference in the former temperature
accelerated, and the latter difference of temperature was gradually reduced, associated with the
accelerated loss of SAP water. The surface temperature of the S50-D-50 was higher than the internal
temperature of the PAC due to direct illumination, and the temperature growth of the SAP water
retention fell. It appears that it can reduce the road temperature, improve the high temperature stability

Figure 14. The surface and internal temperature in the first cycle.

4. Conclusions
Materials 2019, 12, 1964 17 of 19

of the road surface, absorb and preserve rainwater, and slow down the urban heat island effect. This
material is suitable for the temperate monsoon climate and the subtropical monsoon climate, and has
important economic impact Figure 13. The internal temperature of the five mixtures.
potential.

Figure 14. The surface and internal temperature in the first cycle.
Figure 14. The surface and internal temperature in the first cycle.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
SAP water-retaining asphalt concrete can meet the requirements of pavement performance,
whileSAP water-retaining
reducing asphalt
the heat island concrete
effect, can meet and
dust pollution, the their
requirements
negative of pavement
impacts performance,
on people and the
while reducing
environment. the heat
Based island
on the effect,test
obtained dust pollution,
results, and theirconclusions
the following negative impacts on people and the
can be drawn:
environment.
(1) Based
Considering theon the obtained
optimal water test results, rate
absorption the following
and waterconclusions canhigh
retention rate, be drawn:
amounts of SAP
will provide the
(1) Considering more moisture,
optimal water which will make
absorption rate the
andwater
waterretention
retentionmortar more
rate, high fluid. The
amounts final
of SAP
mix provide
will ratio of the water
more retention
moisture, mortar
which willwas
make selected
the wateras aretention
D-type SAP withmore
mortar a water absorption
fluid. The finalof
50%,ratio
mix and of
a volume
the wateramount of 50%.
retention mortar was selected as a D-type SAP with a water absorption
(2) of
The50%, and a volume
water–cement amount
ratio near ofthe50%.
SAP particles is relatively large, which promotes the mass
(2) The water–cement
production ratio near
of ettringite, and thethepores
SAP particles
left after is
therelatively
formationlarge, which
of SAP promotes
water the mass
loss collapse provide
production of ettringite,
sufficient space and theofpores
for the growth left after the formation of SAP water loss collapse
ettringite.
(3) provide sufficient
The moisture space for(RS
susceptibility the ≥growth
88.2%,of ettringite.
TSR ≥ 81.8%), rutting resistance (9336–10,552 times/mm)
(3) The
and moisture susceptibility
low temperature (RS ≥ 88.2%,
crack resistance TSR ≥ 81.8%),
(3383–3621 MPa)rutting resistance (9336–10,552
of water-retaining asphalt concrete were
times/mm) and low temperature
superior to porous asphalt concrete. crack resistance (3383–3621 MPa) of water-retaining asphalt
(4) concrete were superior
The absorption to porous
of heat after asphalt
SAP lost water concrete.
made the cooling effect (10–12 °C) of water-retaining
(4) The absorption of heat
asphalt concrete obvious. after SAP lost water made the cooling effect (10–12 ℃) of water-
retaining asphalt concrete obvious.
Author Contributions: J.G.
Author Contributions: J.G. and
and M.C.
M.C. conceived
conceived and
and designed
designed the
the experiments;
experiments; T.S.
T.S. contributed
contributed materials
materials and
and
performed the experiments; X.L. and M.C. analyzed the data; M.C. wrote the paper; Y.R.K., J.G. and D.K. reviewed
performed the experiments; X.L. and M.C. analyzed the data; M.C. wrote the paper; Y.R.K., J.G. and D.K.
the paper.
reviewed the paper.
Funding: This research is supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Colleges (310831173701),
National Natural Science Foundation of China (51608045), National Key R&D Program of China
(2017YFB0309903-02), and Chinese Post-doctoral Science Foundation (2015M582590).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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