Short-Term Field Evaluation of Spray-on Rejuvenators for Asphalt Pavement Preservation

About the report

Spray-on rejuvenators are pavement preservation treatments intended to mitigate oxidative aging of asphalt binder in the near-surface region of asphalt pavements. Although several highway agencies have evaluated these treatments, reported performance outcomes vary, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has limited documented experience with their use. Prior to this study, VDOT did not have an established specification or standardized evaluation framework for spray-on rejuvenators.

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and short-term field performance of spray-on rejuvenators under Virginia conditions and to support the development of guidance for potential future implementation. The scope included a comprehensive review of published literature, agency specifications, and state-of-practice documents, along with field trials conducted in the Lynchburg and Northern Virginia districts. Following completion of the Lynchburg District field trials, a special provision was developed to guide spray-on rejuvenator application practices and was implemented for the Northern Virginia District field trials.

The Lynchburg District field trials were performed on two non-residential roadways and included three treated segments and one untreated control segment on each route. Performance monitoring focused on near-surface material response and functional characteristics, including near-surface air void content, near-surface binder rheological properties, surface friction, texture, ride quality, rutting, and pavement condition indices. The Northern Virginia District field trials were conducted on low-speed residential roadways and emphasized documenting application practices, constructability, and short-term near-surface material response, because these sections were treated shortly before the completion of this report.

Field observations indicated that spray-on rejuvenators can be applied under Virginia conditions when appropriate surface preparation, application rates, and curing practices are followed. Temporary reductions in friction were observed immediately after application, with recovery trends occurring over time. Changes in surface texture, ride quality, and rutting were generally limited. Near-surface binder testing indicated product-dependent changes in rheological properties, with variable magnitude. The field trials conducted as part of this effort provide an initial foundation for understanding spray-on rejuvenator behavior under Virginia conditions and establish a baseline for continued monitoring and future evaluations.

This study recommends that VDOT (1) continue monitoring the existing field trial sections in the Lynchburg and Northern Virginia Districts and (2) consider identifying appropriate pavement categories for spray-on rejuvenator applications and incorporating a broader set of field executions into routine pavement preservation schedules.

_{Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.}

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