Influence of industrial by-product fillers and curing factors on the moisture-induced damage and strength evolution of cold mix asphalt

Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA) is a sustainable pavement construction technology due to its lower working temperature and energy use. However, delayed strength development and moisture susceptibility limit its field application. This study evaluates the effects of industrial by-product fillers on moisture damage and strength development of CMA under different soaking and curing conditions. Mineral filler, fly ash, bottom ash, rice husk ash and their combinations were used as fillers, with calcium carbide residue as an additive. Indirect tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, moisture loss monitoring and FTIR spectroscopy were used to assess the influence of filler combinations, curing period and curing temperature. The combination of mineral filler (25%), bottom ash (25%) and rice husk ash (50%) showed the highest tensile strength and moisture damage resistance. Calcium carbide residue further improved resistance to moisture-induced damage. Moisture loss trends highlighted the importance of curing in CMA strength development.