Syeda Meghna Mukhtar, Joy Podder, Lutfar Rahman Rana

Abstract: Salt corrosion and dynamic water flow degrade asphalt pavement, leading to rutting, fatigue cracking, and reduced durability, ultimately compromising pavement performance. Asphalt pavements are continuously exposed to environmental conditions, including salinity, moisture, and temperature variations, which progressively weaken their structural integrity even in the absence of traffic loading. In recent decades, salinity has become a critical concern, particularly in coastal and flood-prone regions where pavements are frequently subjected to prolonged saline water exposure. Such environments contain dissolved salts (e.g., sodium, chloride, and sulphate), which accelerate material deterioration. While binder properties play a key role in pavement performance, aggregate gradation is also essential in maintaining adequate adhesion between asphalt and aggregates. This review synthesizes existing studies on the effects of saline conditions on asphalt mixtures, focusing on durability, compressive strength, and fatigue behavior. However, limited understanding exists regarding the coupled effects of salinity with environmental loading and long-term field performance. Future research should emphasize integrated experimental approaches and field-based evaluations to enhance the durability and design of asphalt pavements in saline environments.

Keywords: salt, asphalt pavement, deterioration, aggregate, durability

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