A novel method to evaluate the setting process of cement and asphalt emulsion in CA mortar

Cement and asphalt mortar (CA mortar) is the key component in the structure of Shinkansen slab track and serves as the elastic shock-absorber. A new method was put forward to evaluate the setting process of cement and asphalt emulsion (CAE) in CA mortar. It was noted that the setting process was governed by several factors such as cement types, cement/asphalt emulsion ratios (C/AE ratio). Results also indicated that the setting process of CAE was faster, the higher proportion of cement content was; the early age strength and the separation rate of CA mortar could be improved by using cement of high early age strength and rapid hydration rate, or a blended cement with ordinary Portland cement partially replaced by sulfoaluminate cement, or by increasing C/AE ratio. Nevertheless, the replacement ratio of ordinary Portland cement by sulfoaluminate cement should not exceed 15% and C/AE ratio should be not less than 0.8.