Rheological performance evaluation of activated carbon powder modified asphalt based on TOPSIS method

In this study activated carbon powder (ACP) was incorporated into asphalt to substitute a portion of the conventional filler (mineral powder, MP). The dynamic modulus at elevated temperatures, temperature-dependent viscosity sensitivity, low-temperature creep, and the interaction between asphalt and ACP were examined through dynamic shear rheometer testing, viscosity testing, and bending beam rheometer testing. Moreover, statistical methodologies such as the entropy weight method (EWM) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were employed to optimize the proportion of ACP by evaluating the comprehensive rheological behavior of asphalt mastic (including high temperature performance, low temperature performance, flowability, and asphalt-ACP interaction). The findings demonstrate that ACP can enhance the resistance of asphalt mastic to high-temperature deformation to a certain degree. The ratio of creep rate to stiffness (m/S) decreases with the addition of ACP, indicating that ACP may exacerbate the occurrence of low-temperature thermal cracking in asphalt mastic. The interaction ability of asphalt mastic is significantly enhanced when a portion of the filler is replaced with ACP. The loss factor shows significant impact on the comprehensive evaluation. According to TOPSIS analysis, asphalt mastic with a blending proportion of 40% ACP and 60% MP performs better in terms of comprehensive rheological properties.