Cold-mixed epoxy asphalt (CMEA) has been recognized as a promising binder system for high-performance pavements, particularly in steel bridge deck surfacing and heavy traffic roads. It can be applied at ambient temperature, reducing energy consumption. In engineering practice, solvent-free epoxy asphalt (EA) is commonly used for steel bridge decks due to its superior mechanical properties and resistance to high-stress conditions. Waterborne epoxy asphalt (WEA), primarily asphalt-dominated, exhibits good low-temperature adaptability but often suffers from insufficient mechanical performance, limiting its use in high-performance pavements. Solvent-based EA is rarely selected due to sensitivity to volatilization and environmental conditions. A systematic comparison of WEA, solvent-based EA, and solvent-free EA highlights differences in strength development mechanisms, binder properties, and mixture performance. Curing of CMEA is governed by water evaporation, solvent evaporation, or chemical crosslinking between epoxy resin (ER) and curing agents. Among these systems, solvent-free EA generally offers better construction stability and long-term durability, making it more suitable for demanding service environments. However, the lack of standardized methods for rheological assessment and curing characterization may lead to inconsistent performance evaluations. Future research should focus on long-term aging and damage mechanisms of EA and the development of environmentally friendly, low-volatility systems. A comprehensive life-cycle performance evaluation framework should also be established to support the sustainable application of CMEA. • Investigated the strength formation mechanisms of three CMEA types. • Clarified differences in physicochemical properties and structural evolution. • Evaluated pavement performance and proposed optimization strategies.
Liang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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