To explore the applicability of steel slag porous asphalt mixture, the interaction capability and microscopic interfacial mechanism between asphalt-binder and steel slag aggregate-filler were investigated in this laboratory study. These objectives were accomplished by comparing and analyzing the differences between steel slag and basalt aggregates in interacting with the asphalt-binder. The study methodology involved preparing basalt and steel slag asphalt mortar to evaluate the penetration, ductility, softening point, toughness, and tenacity. Thereafter, the interaction capability between the asphalt-binder and aggregates was characterized using the interaction parameters of the asphalt mortar obtained from dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) testing. For studying the functional groups and chemical bonding of the asphalt mortar, the Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer was used, whilst the interfacial bonding between the asphalt-binder and aggregates was analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The corresponding test results indicated that the physical and rheological properties of the two asphalt mortars were similar. However, whilst the FTIR analysis indicated domination through chemical reactions, the interaction capability and interfacial bonding between the asphalt-binder and steel slag aggregates exhibited superiority over that between the asphalt-binder and basalt aggregates, with pronounced adsorption peaks appearing in the steel slag asphalt mortar spectrum. On the other hand, the SEM test revealed that, compared with the basalt, the micro-interfacial phases between the steel slag and asphalt-binder were more continuous and uniform, which could potentially enhance the interfacial bond strength between the asphalt-binder and aggregates (filler).

To investigate the influence of multiple cycles of aging and rejuvenation on the rheological, chemical, and morphological properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt-binders, the asphalt-binders were aged using two laboratory simulation methods, namely a rolling thin film oven (RTFO) test for short-term aging and pressure aging vessel (PAV) for long-term aging. The asphalt-binders were then rejuvenated with three types of rejuvenators (Type I, II, and III) with different dosages (i.e., 6%, 10%, and 14% for the first, second, and third rejuvenation, respectively). A dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was then used to analyze the effect of rejuvenators on the rheological properties of all the asphalt-binders. The changes in the functional groups and microscopic morphology in the process of multiple aging and rejuvenation cycles were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicated that the three rejuvenators could soften the stiffness and restore the microstructures of the aged asphalt-binders in the process of repeated aging and rejuvenation from DSR and AFM testing. Considering the rutting and fatigue properties, the Type I rejuvenator exhibited the potential to achieve the desired rejuvenation effects under multiple rejuvenation cycles. During the multiple aging and rejuvenation cycles, the aging resistance of SBSMA decreased gradually from the FTIR results. This inherently limited the number of repeated rejuvenation cycles. This research is conducive to promoting the application of repeated penetrating rejuvenation.