A method for repairing an aged or damaged asphalt pavement is provided. The method involves preparing a surface of the aged or damaged asphalt pavement by filling in deviations from a uniform surface plane with dry aggregate and compacting the dry aggregate; applying a reactive asphalt emulsion to the prepared surface; and passing an emitter over the prepared pavement, wherein the emitter generates electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from about 2 microns to 1 mm that penetrates into the pavement to a depth of at least 2 inches. The asphalt pavement is repaired by disturbing voids and interstices in the damaged pavement without dehydrogenation of the asphalt, such that oligomers present in the aged asphalt are linked together into longer polymer chains to improve ductility of the aged asphalt.