# Field Trial and Performance Evaluation of Soybean-Based Bio-Fog Seals for Asphalt Rejuvenation
###### Abstract  
Cracked and deteriorated asphalt are common problems on our roads, leading to safety concerns and requiring significant resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction. This study investigates bio-fog seals, a promising eco-friendly solution utilizing bio-based rejuvenators. These treatments penetrate aged asphalt, restoring its flexibility and resistance to cracking. We assessed the effectiveness of two bio-fog seal formulations--one containing sub-epoxidized soybean oil (SESO) and the other combining SESO with a biopolymer (BioMag). Applied to real pavement sections, the research evaluated how these bio-seals impacted key performance factors, such as stiffness, permeability, and drying time, and safety factors, including skid resistance and pavement marking visibility. The results indicate the bio-seals did not compromise skid resistance and the reflectivity of the markings, eliminating the need for repainting stripes. Additionally, they successfully reduced pavement stiffness, making the asphalt more flexible and crack-resistant. Remarkably, with rapid setting times, under 30 min, these treatments minimize traffic disruption and do not require a blotter material. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of bio-fog seals as a sustainable solution for extending pavement lifespan and lowering long-term maintenance costs. biomaterial; fog seal; asphalt; preventive treatment Article  
Field Trial and Performance Evaluation of Soybean-Based Bio-Fog Seals for Asphalt Rejuvenation  
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Cracked and deteriorated asphalt are common problems on our roads, leading to safety concerns and requiring significant resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction. This degradation is primarily driven by the complex ageing process of the asphalt binder, which disrupts its chemical composition and ultimately leads to performance deterioration [1; 2; 3]. The ageing of asphalt binder is a multifaceted phenomenon that involves chemical and physical transformations. It occurs due to combined effects of high temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and oxidation. These factors contribute to the volatilization of lighter components of the binder, disrupting the balance within the colloidal system. This imbalance leads to a stiffer and less ductile binder, which is more susceptible to cracking [4; 5]. The condition of pavement declines exponentially over time, as illustrated in Figure 1. Initially, pavements deteriorate at a slower rate, exhibiting only minor cracks and distresses. However, when left unaddressed, these minor distresses escalate rapidly, leading to moreextensive damage and requiring costly rehabilitation or reconstruction efforts. To prevent this, early-life treatments can be implemented to slow down the deterioration process and maintain the pavement's good condition for a longer duration (dashed line). As shown in Figure 1, when preventive treatments are applied early and regularly, the pavement condition index (PCI), which is a standardized method for assessing pavement integrity, is maintained as high for longer periods of time [6; 7]. Based on the study conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works [8], with the costs of the treatments shown in Figure 1, investing in pavement preservation early on maximizes the return on investment and potentially can save six to ten times the amount spent on future rehabilitation costs, aligning with the saying: 'good roads cost money, but bad roads cost even more.'