This study characterized the morphology, high-temperature property, rheological property, adhesion, cohesion, and chemical component of asphalt binder under aqueous solutions of different pH values. Then the physicochemical properties of asphalt binder were comprehensively evaluated by the improved radar chart. The properties of asphalt binder stripped layer-by-layer were explored to elucidate its gradient damage behaviors. The results indicate that the pH 3 solution reveals the greatest impact on the morphology of 90 asphalt (90 A) and styrene-butadiene-styrene modified asphalt (SBS MA), leading to the wide cracks on 90 A and the network cracks on SBS MA. The comprehensive assessment index of 90 A exposed to pH 3, pH 5, pH 7, pH 9, and pH 11 solutions can be reduced by 20.8%, 20.2%, 1.5%, 14.0%, and 25.5%, respectively. While for SBS MA, its corresponding values variation are 23.2%, 17.7%, 4.6%, 8.7%, and 13.0%, respectively. The acid solutions significantly affect the comprehensive properties of 90 A, but their pH value has little effect. 90 A exposure to the higher pH value of alkali solution reveals the worse comprehensive properties. Acid solute and alkali solute can aggravate the effect of aqueous solution on the comprehensive properties of SBS MA, and the degree of aggravation increases with the increase of solute concentration. The properties of asphalt binders exhibit varied gradient damage behaviors under different solute environments. The most serious damage occurs at 25–50 µm of 90 A and 0–50 µm of SBS MA. This study facilitates an accurate understanding of the mechanism of pavement distresses and composition design and construction utilization of asphalt binders.

To meet the needs of the road industry for maintenance operations, a new cement emulsified bitumen mixture (CEBM) with early-strength, self-compacting, and room-temperature construction characteristics was designed. The strength formation mechanism of CEBM was revealed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the surface free energy (SFE) theory. The mechanical properties and road performance of the CEBM were investigated extensively. The results show that before the demulsification of emulsified bitumen, the SFE of the bitumen–aggregate–water three-phase system was reduced due to the replacement of the bitumen–aggregate interface with water. The adhesion work between the emulsified bitumen and the aggregate is negative, which means the adhesion between the emulsified bitumen and the aggregate will not occur spontaneously due to the existence of water. The liquid emulsified bitumen improves the workability of the mixture and ensures that the mixture can be evenly mixed and self-compacted. After demulsification, the work of adhesion between the residual bitumen and the aggregate is positive, which means residual bitumen and aggregate can bond spontaneously. In addition, the hydration products of cement and aggregate form a skeleton, and the emulsified bitumen film wraps and bonds the cement and aggregate together, creating strength. The emulsified bitumen, cement content, and curing conditions have significant effects on the stability of CEBM. The recommended dosage of emulsified bitumen and cement is 8% and 8–10%, respectively. This material integrates the hardening effect of cement and the viscoelastic performance of bitumen and has good workability, mechanical properties, and road performance. Therefore, the CEBM is technically feasible for application to bitumen pavement.