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Asphalt Rejuvenators – Fact or Fable

There are numerous methods being employed for asphalt pavement preservation, including rejuvenator emulsions, asphalt emulsion fog seals, a variety of surface treatments (including slurry and micro surfacing technologies), and emerging asphalt thin overlay technologies. These methods range in cost from approximately $0.50 to $2.50 per square yard. To make the most of maintenance budgets, many agencies have resorted to the use of asphalt rejuvenators as an alternative to revive aging and brittle asphalt pavements.

With the proven performance of asphalt rejuvenators to revive an aging pavement, the pavement engineer has an economical method to extend pavement life. This type asphalt pavement treatment has the potential to extend the life of an asphalt pavement for several years beyond the point where rehabilitation, or major reconstruction would normally be required; thus significantly decreasing the pavements annual maintenance costs.

The objective of this discussion is to establish criteria necessary to ascertain the performance of a rejuvenator; i.e., the material parameters and a method of measuring its performance. Subsequently, the results of research programs and construction projects are reviewed. Lastly, recommendations are advanced concerning the use of rejuvenators.

Using a rejuvenator on new construction does not seem to be logical at first glance. However, it has been established that the greatest change in composition of an asphalt binder takes place during the manufacture of the hot mix asphalt (HMA). Applying a rejuvenator to a new surface a few weeks after it has been laid does several things to the pavement. Besides restoring the original asphalt properties that were lost in the HMA manufacture, the chemical assists in sealing the pavement as well as in improving the durability of the surface course.

- Robert E. Boyer

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