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3 pages, 184 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advanced Paving Materials and Technologies

by Zhanping You, Qingli Dai and Feipeng Xiao

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8040588 - 9 Apr 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3040

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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

Research

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6740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory and On-Site Tests for Rapid Runway Repair

by Federico Leonelli, Paola Di Mascio, Antonello Germinario, Francesco Picarella, Laura Moretti, Mauro Cassata and Alberto De Rubeis

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(11), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7111192 - 19 Nov 2017

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5706

Abstract

The attention to rapid pavement repair has grown fast in recent decades: this topic is strategic for the airport management process for civil purposes and peacekeeping missions. This work presents the results of laboratory and on-site tests for rapid runway repair, in order [...] Read more.

The attention to rapid pavement repair has grown fast in recent decades: this topic is strategic for the airport management process for civil purposes and peacekeeping missions. This work presents the results of laboratory and on-site tests for rapid runway repair, in order to analyse and compare technical and mechanical performances of 12 different materials currently used in airport. The study focuses on site repairs, a technique adopted most frequently than repairs with modular elements. After describing mechanical and physical properties of the examined materials (2 bituminous emulsions, 5 cement mortars, 4 cold bituminous mixtures and 1 expanding resin), the study presents the results of carried out mechanical tests. The results demonstrate that the best performing material is a one-component fast setting and hardening cement mortar with graded aggregates. This material allows the runway reopening 6 h after the work. A cold bituminous mixture (bicomponent premixed cold asphalt with water as catalyst) and the ordinary cement concrete allow the reopening to traffic after 18 h, but both ensure a lower service life (1000 coverages) than the cement mortar (10,000 coverages). The obtained results include important information both laboratory level and field, and they could be used by airport management bodies and road agencies when scheduling and evaluating pavement repairs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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6111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tire-Pavement Friction Characteristics with Elastic Properties of Asphalt Pavements

by Miao Yu, Guoxiong Wu, Lingyun Kong and Yu Tang

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(11), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7111123 - 1 Nov 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6766

Abstract

The skid-resisting performance of pavement is a critical factor in traffic safety. Recent studies primarily analyze this behavior by examining the macro or micro texture of the pavement. It is inevitable that skid-resistance declines with time because the texture of pavement deteriorates throughout [...] Read more.

The skid-resisting performance of pavement is a critical factor in traffic safety. Recent studies primarily analyze this behavior by examining the macro or micro texture of the pavement. It is inevitable that skid-resistance declines with time because the texture of pavement deteriorates throughout its service life. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the use of different asphalt pavements, varying in resilience, to optimize braking performance on pavement. Based on the systematic dynamics of tire-pavement contact, and analysis of the tire-road coupled friction mechanism and the effect of enlarging the tire-pavement contact area, road skid resistance was investigated by altering the elastic modulus of asphalt pavement. First, this research constructed the kinetic contact model to simulate tire-pavement friction. Next, the following aspects of contact behaviors were studied when braking: tread deformation in the tangential pavement interface, actual tire-pavement contact in the course, and the frictional braking force transmitted from the pavement to the tires. It was observed that with improvements in pavement elasticity, the actual tire-pavement contact area increased, which gives us the ability to effectively strengthen the frictional adhesion of the tire to the pavement. It should not be overlooked that the improvement in skid resistance was caused by an increase in pavement elasticity. This research approach provides a theoretical basis and design reference for the anti-skid research of asphalt pavements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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2500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technologies and Principles of Hot Recycling and Investigation of Preheated Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Batching Process in an Asphalt Mixing Plant

by Henrikas Sivilevičius, Justas Bražiūnas and Olegas Prentkovskis

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(11), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7111104 - 25 Oct 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7792

Abstract

More and more recycled asphalt mixtures with high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content are used in road pavement. Having determined and evaluated RAP composition (aged bitumen content and aggregate gradation) and properties, a suitable recycling agent and virgin materials are selected in the [...] Read more.

More and more recycled asphalt mixtures with high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content are used in road pavement. Having determined and evaluated RAP composition (aged bitumen content and aggregate gradation) and properties, a suitable recycling agent and virgin materials are selected in the design process. The gradation of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture that is recycled in an asphalt mixing plant (AMP) shall correspond to its optimal gradation set out in its job-mix formula (JMF). When RAP is recycled in an AMP, inevitable systematic and random errors of performed technological operations and inhomogeneity of virgin materials and RAP have a significant influence. These factors influence the variation of components quantities of recycled hot mix asphalt (RHMA) mixture and deviations from JMF. In this study, the principles of asphalt pavement hot recycling are systematized, which allows analysis of the factors of components’ interaction influencing the results of the recycling process. The paper also presents and analyses asphalt recycling technologies in AMP and their comparative analysis. During the season of asphalt mixture production in 2014, statistical parameters were calculated according to the data obtained from one of the companies, which collected and systematized RAP batch masses, when before batching it was pre-dried and pre-heated in an additional dryer. These parameters of batch mass and RAP content in RHMA position and variation were used when evaluating the accuracy and precision of the recycling process in AMP. The obtained data showed that when RHMA mixtures are produced in a modern batch-type AMP, RAP is batched accurately, but not precisely enough. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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3287 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Adhesion and Hysteresis Friction of Rubber–Pavement System

by Mohammad Al-Assi and Emad Kassem

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(10), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7101029 - 7 Oct 2017

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7159

Abstract

Tire-pavement friction is a key component in road safety. Adhesion and hysteresis are the two main mechanisms that affect the friction between rubber tires and pavements. This study experimentally examined the relationship between rubber–pavement adhesion and friction. The adhesive bond energy between rubber [...] Read more.

Tire-pavement friction is a key component in road safety. Adhesion and hysteresis are the two main mechanisms that affect the friction between rubber tires and pavements. This study experimentally examined the relationship between rubber–pavement adhesion and friction. The adhesive bond energy between rubber and pavement surfaces was calculated by measuring the surface energy components of rubber and aggregates. The friction was measured in the laboratory using a dynamic friction tester. The results revealed that there is a fair correlation between the adhesive bond energy and measured coefficient of friction. A rubber–pavement system with higher adhesion provided higher friction at low speed. In addition, the results demonstrated that there is a strong correlation between rubber–pavement friction and rubber properties. Softer rubber provided higher friction and vice versa. The results of this study provide an experimental verification of the relationship between adhesion and pavement surface friction. The adhesive bond energy and rubber rheological properties could be incorporated in computational models to study tire-pavement friction in different conditions (e.g., speed and temperature). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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7514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Performance of a Dense Graded Ultra-Thin Wearing Course Mixture

by Lei Geng, Tao Ma, Junhui Zhang, Xiaoming Huang and Pengsen Hu

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(8), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7080800 - 7 Aug 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4833

Abstract

This paper focused on the design and performance characterization of a modified ultra-thin wearing course mixture (M-UWM). A dense graded ultra-thin wearing course mixture with nominal maximum aggregate size of 10 mm was designed and named as UWM10. A multi-chain polyolefin modifier was [...] Read more.

This paper focused on the design and performance characterization of a modified ultra-thin wearing course mixture (M-UWM). A dense graded ultra-thin wearing course mixture with nominal maximum aggregate size of 10 mm was designed and named as UWM10. A multi-chain polyolefin modifier was used to modify the performance of UWM10 to get M-UWM10. Based on different laboratory performance tests including wheel tracking tests, low-temperature bending beam tests, immersion Marshall tests and freeze-thaw splitting tests, the high temperature rutting resistance, low-temperature cracking resistance and moisture resistance of the designed M-UWM10 were evaluated. The texture depth tests and wheel tracking tests were combined to characterize the degradation behaviour of the surface texture depth of M-UWM10. Based on test roads, the bonding conditions between the wearing course layer that consisted of M-UWM10 and its sublayer were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scanning test and pull out test. Filed texture depth tests were also conducted on the test roads. It is proved that the designed wearing course mixture M-UWM10 shows excellent pavement performance as well as better wearing resistance and interlayer bonding than the traditional wearing course mixture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Asphalt Mixture Performance by Partially Replacing Bitumen with Waste Motor Oil and Elastomer Modifiers

by Sara Fernandes, Joana Peralta, Joel R. M. Oliveira, R. Christopher Williams and Hugo M. R. D. Silva

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(8), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7080794 - 5 Aug 2017

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6956

Abstract

The environmental concern about waste generation and the gradual decrease of oil reserves has led the way to finding new waste materials that may partially replace the bitumens used in the road paving industry. Used motor oil from vehicles is a waste product [...] Read more.

The environmental concern about waste generation and the gradual decrease of oil reserves has led the way to finding new waste materials that may partially replace the bitumens used in the road paving industry. Used motor oil from vehicles is a waste product that could answer that demand, but it can also drastically reduce the viscosity, increasing the asphalt mixture’s rutting potential. Therefore, polymer modification should be used in order to avoid compromising the required performance of asphalt mixtures when higher amounts of waste motor oil are used. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the performance of an asphalt binder/mixture obtained by replacing part of a paving grade bitumen (35/50) with 10% waste motor oil and 5% styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) as an elastomer modifier. A comparison was also made with the results of a previous study using a blend of bio-oil from fast pyrolysis and ground tire rubber modifier as a partial substitute for usual PG64-22 bitumen. The asphalt binders were tested by means of Fourier infrared spectra and dynamic shear rheology, namely by assessing their continuous high-performance grade. Later, the water sensitivity, fatigue cracking resistance, dynamic modulus and rut resistance performance of the resulting asphalt mixtures was evaluated. It was concluded that the new binder studied in this work improves the asphalt mixture’s performance, making it an excellent solution for paving works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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3166 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Mechanical Resilience of Modified Bitumen at Different Cooling Rates: A Rheological and Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation

by Cesare Oliviero Rossi, Saltanat Ashimova, Pietro Calandra, Maria Penelope De Santo and Ruggero Angelico

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(8), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7080779 - 31 Jul 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4754

Abstract

Due to the wide variation in geographic and climatic conditions, the search for high-performance bituminous materials is becoming more and more urgent to increase the useful life of pavements and reduce the enormous cost of road maintenance. Extensive research has been done by [...] Read more.

Due to the wide variation in geographic and climatic conditions, the search for high-performance bituminous materials is becoming more and more urgent to increase the useful life of pavements and reduce the enormous cost of road maintenance. Extensive research has been done by testing various bitumen modifiers, although most of them are petroleum-derived additives, such as polymers, rubbers and plastic, which in turn do not prevent oxidative aging of the binder. Thus, as an alternative to the most common polymeric rheological modifiers, selected binder additives falling in the categories of organosilane (P2KA), polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and food grade phospholipids (LCS) were homogeneously mixed to a base bitumen. The goal was to analyse the micro-morphology of the bitumens (neat and modified) subjected to different cooling rates and to find the corresponding correlations in the mechanical response domain. Therefore, microstructural investigations carried out by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and fundamental rheological tests based on oscillatory dynamic rheology, were used to evaluate the effect of additives on the bitumen structure and compared with pristine binder as a reference. The tested bitumen additives have been shown to elicit different mechanical behaviours by varying the cooling rate. By comparing rheological data, analysed in the framework of the “weak gel” model, and AFM images, it was found that both P2KA and PPA altered the material structure in a different manner whereas LCS revealed superior performances, acting as “mechanical buffer” in the whole explored range of cooling rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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4187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Molecular Dynamics Simulation to Investigate Asphalt Nano-Cracking under External Loading Conditions

by Yue Hou, Linbing Wang, Dawei Wang, Xin Qu and Jiangfeng Wu

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(8), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7080770 - 28 Jul 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5028

Abstract

Recent research shows that macro-scale cracking in asphalt binder may originate from its intrinsic defects at the nano-scale. In this paper, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted to evaluate the nucleation of natural defects in asphalt. The asphalt microstructure was modeled using [...] Read more.

Recent research shows that macro-scale cracking in asphalt binder may originate from its intrinsic defects at the nano-scale. In this paper, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted to evaluate the nucleation of natural defects in asphalt. The asphalt microstructure was modeled using an ensemble of three different types of molecules to represent a constituent species: asphaltenes, naphthene aromatics and saturates, where the weight proportion of 20:60:20 was used to create an asphalt-like ensemble of molecules. Tension force was then applied on the molecular boundaries to study the crack initiation and propagation. It was discovered that the natural distribution of atoms at microscale would affect the intrinsic defects in asphalt and further influence crack initiation and propagation in asphalt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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7878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Recycled Material for Utilization in Asphalt Mixtures

by Farzaneh Tahmoorian, Bijan Samali, Vivian W.Y. Tam and John Yeaman

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(8), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7080763 - 27 Jul 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6759

Abstract

With an expanding world, the demand for extensive road networks is increasing. As natural resources become scarce, the necessity of finding alternative resources has led to the idea of applying recycled material to pavement construction including asphalt pavements. Amongst all asphalt components, aggregate [...] Read more.

With an expanding world, the demand for extensive road networks is increasing. As natural resources become scarce, the necessity of finding alternative resources has led to the idea of applying recycled material to pavement construction including asphalt pavements. Amongst all asphalt components, aggregate constitutes the largest part of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, the utilization of recycled material for aggregate will represent an important opportunity to save virgin material and divert material away from landfills. Because of the large amount of construction waste generation around the world, using recycled construction aggregate (RCA) in asphalt mixtures appears to be an effective utilization of RCA. However, as aggregate plays an important role in the final performance of the asphalt mixture, an understanding of their properties is essential in designing an asphalt mixture. Therefore, in this research, the properties of RCA have been evaluated through laboratory investigations. Based on the test results, it is required that combination of RCA with some other targeted waste materials be considered in asphalt mixture. This paper presents the results of an experimental study to evaluate the RCA properties as an alternative for virgin aggregate in asphalt mixture under different percentages and combination with other aggregates, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and basalt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Study of Surfactant Additives for the Manufacture of Warm Mix Asphalt: From Laboratory Design to Asphalt Plant Manufacture

by Miguel Sol-Sánchez, Fernando Moreno-Navarro and Ma Carmen Rubio-Gámez

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(7), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070745 - 21 Jul 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5106

Abstract

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), manufactured at a lower temperature than the traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), allows for important economic and environmental benefits when considered for application in roads. Nonetheless, despite the benefits, its application in pavement for roads is not as widespread [...] Read more.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), manufactured at a lower temperature than the traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), allows for important economic and environmental benefits when considered for application in roads. Nonetheless, despite the benefits, its application in pavement for roads is not as widespread as desired from an environmental point of view; more in-depth studies to investigate its development and wider applicability are required. Thus, the present paper aims to contribute to the implementation of this cleaner technology to produce WMA (based on chemical additives) for its application in pavement for roads, including from the stage of the design of the material in the laboratory (by selecting the most appropriate manufacturing temperature and additive type and dosage) to its production in a conventional industrial plant for its use in a trial section. Results demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the manufacturing temperature of asphalt mixtures by using chemical additives, recording similar mechanical behaviour (or even superior) to conventional hot mixtures when specific studies are developed for the optimal design of the WMA. It was also shown that these mixtures could be produced in a conventional asphalt plant without implementing important changes in equipment, which implies a cost-effective solution that can readily be incorporated into traditional plant procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Laboratory Evaluation of Rejuvenating Agent on Reclaimed SBS Modified Asphalt Pavement

by Jie Wang, Wei Zeng, Yongchun Qin, Songchang Huang and Jian Xu

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(7), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070743 - 21 Jul 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5062

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of rejuvenating agent on reclaimed SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) modified asphalt pavement (RSMAP) material, different tests of asphalt and mixtures were conducted. Firstly, the improvement effect of rejuvenating agents on the aged modified asphalt was tested at macroscopic and microscope level. [...] Read more.

To evaluate the effect of rejuvenating agent on reclaimed SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) modified asphalt pavement (RSMAP) material, different tests of asphalt and mixtures were conducted. Firstly, the improvement effect of rejuvenating agents on the aged modified asphalt was tested at macroscopic and microscope level. Then the properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) with different RSMAP contents (0%, 30%, 50% and 70%) were evaluated by conducting freeze-thaw split, semi-circular bending (SCB) and dynamic modulus (DM). The results indicate that rejuvenating agent can recycle the properties of aged modified asphalt effectively. The initial phase structure of the aged modified asphalt is not changed by adding rejuvenating agents. Moreover, the SBS particles area ratio of modified asphalt blends is significantly correlated with tenacity as the proportion of rejuvenating agent increases. For mixtures, RSMAP is harmful to moisture susceptibility and low-temperature cracking resistance of recycled mixture, especially with high RSMAP content. Moreover, the two properties can be improved by adding rejuvenating agents, but the recycled mixtures with high RSMAP content are not easy to recover to HMA mixture level. In general, the rejuvenating agent has an effect on the stiffness of the recycled mixture, but this is effect not obvious. When loading frequency reaches a higher value, the DM of recycled mixtures and HMA mixture tend to be consistent including high RSMAP content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Three Dimensional Digital Sieving of Asphalt Mixture Based on X-ray Computed Tomography

by Chichun Hu, Jiexian Ma and M. Emin Kutay

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(7), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070734 - 18 Jul 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5331

Abstract

In order to perform three-dimensional digital sieving based on X-ray computed tomography images, the definition of digital sieve size (DSS) was proposed, which was defined as the minimum length of the minimum bounding squares of all possible orthographic projections of an aggregate. The [...] Read more.

In order to perform three-dimensional digital sieving based on X-ray computed tomography images, the definition of digital sieve size (DSS) was proposed, which was defined as the minimum length of the minimum bounding squares of all possible orthographic projections of an aggregate. The corresponding program was developed to reconstruct aggregate structure and to obtain DSS. Laboratory experiments consisting of epoxy-filled aggregate specimens were conducted to investigate the difference between mechanical sieve analysis and the digital sieving technique. It was suggested that concave surface of aggregate was the possible reason for the disparity between DSS and mechanical sieve size. A comparison between DSS and equivalent diameter was also performed. Moreover, the digital sieving technique was adopted to evaluate the gradation of stone mastic asphalt mixtures. The results showed that the closest proximity of the laboratory gradation curve was achieved by calibrated DSS, among gradation curves based on calibrated DSS, un-calibrated DSS and equivalent diameter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Permeability and Stiffness Assessment of Paved and Unpaved Roads with Geocomposite Drainage Layers

by Cheng Li, Jeramy Ashlock, David White and Pavana Vennapusa

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(7), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070718 - 13 Jul 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5987

Abstract

Poor subsurface drainage is frequently identified as a factor leading to the accelerated damage of roadway systems. Geocomposite drainage layers offer an alternative to traditional methods but have not been widely evaluated, especially in terms of the impact of changes on both drainage [...] Read more.

Poor subsurface drainage is frequently identified as a factor leading to the accelerated damage of roadway systems. Geocomposite drainage layers offer an alternative to traditional methods but have not been widely evaluated, especially in terms of the impact of changes on both drainage capacity and stiffness. In this study, both paved and unpaved test sections with and without an embedded geocomposite drainage layer were constructed and tested. The geocomposite layers were installed directly beneath the roadway surface layers to help the rapid drainage of any infiltrated water and thus prevent water entering the underlying foundation materials. The laboratory, field, and numerical analysis results showed that the geocomposite layers increased the permeability of roadway systems by two to three orders of magnitude and that it can effectively prevent the surface and foundation materials from becoming saturated during heavy rainfall events. For the stiffness of the sections, the paved sections with and without a geocomposite layer showed that the composite modulus values measured at the surface were more reflective of the foundation layer support conditions beneath the geocomposite layer than the geocomposite layer itself. The unpaved road section with the geocomposite layer yielded lower composite modulus values than the control section but showed overall better road surface conditions after a rain event due to the improved subsurface drainage condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Aging Resistance of Graphene Oxide Modified Asphalt

by Shaopeng Wu, Zhijie Zhao, Yuanyuan Li, Ling Pang, Serji Amirkhanian and Martin Riara

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(7), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070702 - 7 Jul 2017

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 6593

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) has a unique layered structure with excellent gas and liquid blocking properties. It is widely used in many areas, such as gas sensors, carbon-based electronics, impermeable membranes, and polymeric composite materials. In order to evaluate whether GO (1% and 3% [...] Read more.

Graphene oxide (GO) has a unique layered structure with excellent gas and liquid blocking properties. It is widely used in many areas, such as gas sensors, carbon-based electronics, impermeable membranes, and polymeric composite materials. In order to evaluate whether GO (1% and 3% by weight of asphalt) can improve the aging resistance performance of the asphalt, 80/100 penetration grade asphalt (90 A) and styrene–butadiene–styrene modified asphalt (SBS MA) were used to prepare the GO modified asphalt by the melt blending method. The surface morphology of the GO was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV aging test was conducted to simulate the aging during the service period. After UV aging test, the physical performances of GO-modified asphalts were tested, and the I_C=O and I_S=O increments were tested by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the aging resistance performance of the GO modified asphalt. In addition, the rheological properties of GO modified asphalts were studied using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The SEM analysis indicated that the GO exhibits many shared edges, and no agglomeration phenomenon was found. With respect to the physical performance test, the FTIR and the DSR results show that GO can improve the UV aging resistance performance of 90 A and SBS MA. In addition, the analysis indicated that the improvement effect of 3% GO is better than the 1% GO. The testing on the rheological properties of the modified asphalt indicated that the GO can also improve the thermo-oxidative aging resistance performance of asphalt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Application of Finite Layer Method in Pavement Structural Analysis

by Pengfei Liu, Qinyan Xing, Yiyi Dong, Dawei Wang, Markus Oeser and Si Yuan

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(6), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7060611 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7888

Abstract

The finite element (FE) method has been widely used in predicting the structural responses of asphalt pavements. However, the three-dimensional (3D) modeling in general-purpose FE software systems such as ABAQUS requires extensive computations and is relatively time-consuming. To address this issue, a specific [...] Read more.

The finite element (FE) method has been widely used in predicting the structural responses of asphalt pavements. However, the three-dimensional (3D) modeling in general-purpose FE software systems such as ABAQUS requires extensive computations and is relatively time-consuming. To address this issue, a specific computational code EasyFEM was developed based on the finite layer method (FLM) for analyzing structural responses of asphalt pavements under a static load. Basically, it is a 3D FE code that requires only a one-dimensional (1D) mesh by incorporating analytical methods and using Fourier series in the other two dimensions, which can significantly reduce the computational time and required resources due to the easy implementation of parallel computing technology. Moreover, a newly-developed Element Energy Projection (EEP) method for super-convergent calculations was implemented in EasyFEM to improve the accuracy of solutions for strains and stresses over the whole pavement model. The accuracy of the program is verified by comparing it with results from BISAR and ABAQUS for a typical asphalt pavement structure. The results show that the predicted responses from ABAQUS and EasyFEM are in good agreement with each other. The EasyFEM with the EEP post-processing technique converges faster compared with the results derived from ordinary EasyFEM applications, which proves that the EEP technique can improve the accuracy of strains and stresses from EasyFEM. In summary, the EasyFEM has a potential to provide a flexible and robust platform for the numerical simulation of asphalt pavements and can easily be post-processed with the EEP technique to enhance its advantages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

A New Life for Cross-Linked Plastic Waste as Aggregates and Binder Modifier for Asphalt Mixtures

by Liliana M. B. Costa, Joana Peralta, Joel R. M. Oliveira and Hugo M. R. D. Silva

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(6), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7060603 - 10 Jun 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5516

Abstract

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste, with potential to be reused, are wasted in landfills. Based on a literature review and in a local market analysis, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) waste arose as the material with the greatest potential to be tested [...] Read more.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste, with potential to be reused, are wasted in landfills. Based on a literature review and in a local market analysis, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) waste arose as the material with the greatest potential to be tested for incorporation in asphalt mixtures due to the difficulty in its recycling and the lack of solutions for its reuse. Thus, in the present work, mixtures produced with and without PEX were tested in order to compare their performance, aiming at understanding if this waste could successfully be used as an alternative material for this type of application. Thus, water sensitivity, rutting resistance, stiffness modulus and fatigue cracking resistance tests were carried out on asphalt mixtures with up to 5% PEX. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the incorporation of PEX in asphalt mixtures is a viable solution for paving works, especially when high service temperatures are expected. It also decreases the density of the mixture, which can be attractive to lighten structures. Thus, this technology contributes to give new life to cross-linked polyethylene plastic waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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Open AccessArticle

Study of the Diffusion of Rejuvenators and Its Effect on Aged Bitumen Binder

by Yue Xiao, Chao Li, Miao Wan, Xinxing Zhou, Yefei Wang and Shaopeng Wu

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(4), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7040397 - 14 Apr 2017

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 6203

Abstract

Aged asphalt mixture is heavily involved in pavement maintenance and renewed construction because of the development of recycling techniques. The aged bitumen binder has partially lost its viscous behavior. Rejuvenators are therefore designed and used in this recycling procedure to enhance the behavior [...] Read more.

Aged asphalt mixture is heavily involved in pavement maintenance and renewed construction because of the development of recycling techniques. The aged bitumen binder has partially lost its viscous behavior. Rejuvenators are therefore designed and used in this recycling procedure to enhance the behavior of such aged reclaimed bitumen. However, tests have not yet been clearly specified to understand the diffusion characteristics of rejuvenators in aged bitumen. In this research, molecular dynamic simulation is proposed and conducted with Materials Studio software to study the diffusion behavior of rejuvenators in aged bitumen at the molecular level. Two rejuvenators, named R-1 and R-2, were included. The difference between these two rejuvenators is their chemical composition of C=O. The diffusion coefficient is determined by studying the molecular movement. Results illustrate that the proposed models can be used to study the diffusion of rejuvenators in aged bitumen sufficiently. In the meantime, a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) is used to evaluate the recovery influence on aged bitumen resulting from rejuvenators. The experimental results strengthen the model simulations and indicate that the aging index of bitumen has a significant influence on the rejuvenating effect. Research results indicate that rejuvenators have a sufficient rejuvenating effect on the long-term aged bitumen and a limited effect on short-term aged bitumen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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2317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Permanent Deformation in High-Modulus Asphalt Pavement with Sloped and Horizontally Curved Alignment

by Mulian Zheng, Lili Han, Chongtao Wang, Zhanlei Xu, Hongyin Li and Qinglei Ma

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(4), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7040331 - 28 Mar 2017

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5281

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the permanent deformation of high-modulus asphalt pavement in special road using viscoelastic theory. Based on the creep test, the Prony series representation of Burgers model parameters for different asphalt mixtures were obtained and used in the deformation simulation [...] Read more.

This study aims to evaluate the permanent deformation of high-modulus asphalt pavement in special road using viscoelastic theory. Based on the creep test, the Prony series representation of Burgers model parameters for different asphalt mixtures were obtained and used in the deformation simulation of a high-modulus asphalt pavement situated in a horizontally curved ramp. The orthogonal design method was used to show the effect of different factors on the deformation. Results reveal that rutting in curved ramp was greater than in straightaway. Further, evident upheaval was found on the downhill pavement surface and outer pavement parts of the curve due to longitudinal friction force and sideway force. In addition, the upper and middle asphalt courses in such road seemed more crucial to pavement anti-rutting performance, since inclusion of shear force changed pavement deformation characteristic and the potential rutting area tended to move up. Finally, a preliminary equation to predict rutting in sloped and curved road with widely accepted pavement structure in China was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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2031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Life Prediction of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete Based on the Local Stress-Strain Method

by Mulian Zheng, Peng Li, Jiangang Yang, Hongyin Li, Yangyang Qiu and Zhengliang Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(3), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7030305 - 20 Mar 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6916

Abstract

Previously published studies have proposed fatigue life prediction models for dense graded asphalt pavement based on flexural fatigue test. This study focused on the fatigue life prediction of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete (HMAC) pavement using the local strain-stress method and direct tension fatigue [...] Read more.

Previously published studies have proposed fatigue life prediction models for dense graded asphalt pavement based on flexural fatigue test. This study focused on the fatigue life prediction of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete (HMAC) pavement using the local strain-stress method and direct tension fatigue test. First, the direct tension fatigue test at various strain levels was conducted on HMAC prism samples cut from plate specimens. Afterwards, their true stress-strain loop curves were obtained and modified to develop the strain-fatigue life equation. Then the nominal strain of HMAC course determined using finite element method was converted into local strain using the Neuber method. Finally, based on the established fatigue equation and converted local strain, a method to predict the pavement fatigue crack initiation life was proposed and the fatigue life of a typical HMAC overlay pavement which runs a risk of bottom-up cracking was predicted and validated. Results show that the proposed method was able to produce satisfactory crack initiation life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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5272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Temperature Performance Characteristics of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Mortars with Virgin and Aged Soft Binders

by Feipeng Xiao, Ruoyu Li, Henglong Zhang and Serji Amirkhanian

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7030304 - 20 Mar 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5511

Abstract

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has many advantages and is utilized to improve the high temperature properties of asphalt mixtures. Low temperature cracking is a predominant distress in asphalt pavements containing RAP materials. Thus, the evaluation of fracture resistance for asphalt mixtures containing RAP [...] Read more.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has many advantages and is utilized to improve the high temperature properties of asphalt mixtures. Low temperature cracking is a predominant distress in asphalt pavements containing RAP materials. Thus, the evaluation of fracture resistance for asphalt mixtures containing RAP is of interest. The objective of this research is to explore the low temperature performance characteristics of RAP mortars containing sieved RAP and soft binders at three aged states. The stiffness values and m-values from bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests at three test temperatures of −18 °C, −12 °C and −6 °C were obtained to conduct the minimum low temperature grades. RAP mortar with a higher aged binder content had a higher minimum low temperature regardless of RAP source. In addition, RAP mortars with virgin soft binder had the best low temperature resistance followed by the RAP mortars with rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure-aged vessel (PAV) binders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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2055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fibers on Mixture Design of Stone Matrix Asphalt

by Yanping Sheng, Haibin Li, Ping Guo, Guijuan Zhao, Huaxin Chen and Rui Xiong

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7030297 - 18 Mar 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6636

Abstract

Lignin fibers typically influence the mixture performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA), such as strength, stability, durability, noise level, rutting resistance, fatigue life, and water sensitivity. However, limited studies were conducted to analyze the influence of fibers on the percent voids in mineral [...] Read more.

Lignin fibers typically influence the mixture performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA), such as strength, stability, durability, noise level, rutting resistance, fatigue life, and water sensitivity. However, limited studies were conducted to analyze the influence of fibers on the percent voids in mineral aggregate in bituminous mixture (VMA) during the mixture design. This study analyzed the effect of different fibers and fiber contents on the VMA in SMA mixture design. A surface-dry condition method test and Marshall Stability test were applied on the SMA mixture with four different fibers (i.e., flocculent lignin fiber, mineral fiber, polyester fiber, blended fiber). The test results indicated that the bulk specific gravity of SMA mixtures and asphalt saturation decreased with the increasing fiber content, whilst the percent air voids in bituminous mixtures (VV), Marshall Stability and VMA increased. Mineral fiber had the most obvious impact on the bulk specific gravity of bituminous mixtures, while flocculent lignin fiber had a minimal impact. The mixture with mineral fiber and polyester fiber had significant effects on the volumetric properties, and, consequently, exhibited better VMA over the conventional SMA mixture with lignin fiber. Modified fiber content range was also provided, which will widen the utilization of mineral fiber and polyester fiber in the applications of SMA mixtures. The mixture evaluation suggested no statistically significant difference between lignin fiber and polyester fiber on the stability. The mineral fiber required a much larger fiber content to improve the mixture performance than other fibers. Overall, the results can be a reference to guide SMA mixture design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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3832 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Ultrasonic Techniques for Air Void Size Distribution and Property Evaluation in Both Early-Age and Hardened Concrete Samples

by Shuaicheng Guo, Qingli Dai, Xiao Sun, Ye Sun and Zhen Liu

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7030290 - 16 Mar 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6389

Abstract

Entrained air voids can improve the freeze-thaw durability of concrete, and also affect its mechanical and transport properties. Therefore, it is important to measure the air void structure and understand its influence on concrete performance for quality control. This paper aims to measure [...] Read more.

Entrained air voids can improve the freeze-thaw durability of concrete, and also affect its mechanical and transport properties. Therefore, it is important to measure the air void structure and understand its influence on concrete performance for quality control. This paper aims to measure air void structure evolution at both early-age and hardened stages with the ultrasonic technique, and evaluates its influence on concrete properties. Three samples with different air entrainment agent content were specially prepared. The air void structure was determined with optimized inverse analysis by achieving the minimum error between experimental and theoretical attenuation. The early-age sample measurement showed that the air void content with the whole size range slightly decreases with curing time. The air void size distribution of hardened samples (at Day 28) was compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C457 test results. The air void size distribution with different amount of air entrainment agent was also favorably compared. In addition, the transport property, compressive strength, and dynamic modulus of concrete samples were also evaluated. The concrete transport decreased with the curing age, which is in accordance with the air void shrinkage. The correlation between the early-age strength development and hardened dynamic modulus with the ultrasonic parameters was also evaluated. The existence of clustered air voids in the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) area was found to cause severe compressive strength loss. The results indicated that this developed ultrasonic technique has potential in air void size distribution measurement, and demonstrated the influence of air void structure evolution on concrete properties during both early-age and hardened stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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1979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal and Fatigue Evaluation of Asphalt Mixtures Containing RAP Treated with a Bio-Agent

by Karol J. Kowalski, Jan B. Król, Wojciech Bańkowski, Piotr Radziszewski and Michał Sarnowski

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(3), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7030216 - 23 Feb 2017

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6359

Abstract

Environment conservation and diminishing natural resources caused an increase in popularity of the application of renewable bio-origin resources for the construction of road pavement. Currently, there are known additions of bio-origin materials for bitumen modification. Such material is also used as a flux [...] Read more.

Environment conservation and diminishing natural resources caused an increase in popularity of the application of renewable bio-origin resources for the construction of road pavement. Currently, there are known additions of bio-origin materials for bitumen modification. Such material is also used as a flux additive for bitumen or as a rejuvenator once working with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). This paper presents research dealing with asphalt mixtures with RAP modified with a bio-agent of rapeseed origin. The main idea of the conducted research was to apply more RAP content directly to the batch mix plant without extra RAP heating. The RAP used in this study was milled from a base asphalt layer; the addition of RAP stiffens new asphalt mixtures. A bio-agent, due to its fluxing action, was used to support the asphalt mixing process and to decrease the over-stiffening of the mixture caused by RAP addition. This research includes bitumen and mixture tests. For the bitumen study, three different bitumens (35/50, 50/70, and 70/100) were tested in a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) for complex modulus G* and for phase angle |δ| in the temperature range 0–100 °C. The reference mixture and mixtures with 2.5% bio-agent were tested to assess the influence of RAP and the bio-agent addition on the asphalt mixture properties. Low temperature behavior (TSRST), stiffness, and fatigue resistance (4PB) were tested. Based on the bitumen test, it was determined that even a low rate of bio-agent (2.5%) beneficially changes bitumen properties at a low temperature; moreover, polymerization processes occurring in the second stage of the process improves bitumen properties at a high operational temperature. The research with these asphalt mixtures demonstrates that the bio-origin flux acts as a rejuvenator and allows for an application of 30% cold RAP. Thermal cracking resistance of the mixture with RAP and 2.5% bio-agent improved. The bio-agent removes unfavorable stiffening of RAP and increases the fatigue resistance of the asphalt mixture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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6766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on the Asphalt Concrete Structure for Blast and Impact Load Using the Karagozian and Case Concrete Model

by Jun Wu, Liang Li, Xiuli Du and Xuemei Liu

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7020202 - 17 Feb 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6503

Abstract

The behaviour of an asphalt concrete structure subjected to severe loading, such as blast and impact loadings, is becoming critical for safety and anti-terrorist reasons. With the development of high-speed computational capabilities, it is possible to carry out the numerical simulation of an [...] Read more.

The behaviour of an asphalt concrete structure subjected to severe loading, such as blast and impact loadings, is becoming critical for safety and anti-terrorist reasons. With the development of high-speed computational capabilities, it is possible to carry out the numerical simulation of an asphalt concrete structure subjected to blast or impact loading. In the simulation, the constitutive model plays a key role as the model defines the essential physical mechanisms of the material under different stress and loading conditions. In this paper, the key features of the Karagozian and Case concrete model (KCC) adopted in LSDYNA are evaluated and discussed. The formulations of the strength surfaces and the damage factor in the KCC model are verified. Both static and dynamic tests are used to determine the parameters of asphalt concrete in the KCC model. The modified damage factor is proposed to represent the higher failure strain that can improve the simulation of the behaviour of AC material. Furthermore, a series test of the asphalt concrete structure subjected to blast and impact loadings is conducted and simulated by using the KCC model. The simulation results are then compared with those from both field and laboratory tests. The results show that the use of the KCC model to simulate asphalt concrete structures can reproduce similar results as the field and laboratory test. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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1863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adhesion Evaluation of Asphalt-Aggregate Interface Using Surface Free Energy Method

by Jie Ji, Hui Yao, Luhou Liu, Zhi Suo, Peng Zhai, Xu Yang and Zhanping You

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7020156 - 9 Feb 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5401

Abstract

The influence of organic additives (Sasobit and RH) and water on the adhesion of the asphalt-aggregate interface was studied according to the surface free energy theory. Two asphalt binders (SK-70 and SK-90), and two aggregate types (limestone and basalt) were used in this [...] Read more.

The influence of organic additives (Sasobit and RH) and water on the adhesion of the asphalt-aggregate interface was studied according to the surface free energy theory. Two asphalt binders (SK-70 and SK-90), and two aggregate types (limestone and basalt) were used in this study. The sessile drop method was employed to test surface free energy components of asphalt, organic additives and aggregates. The adhesion models of the asphalt-aggregate interface in dry and wet conditions were established, and the adhesion work was calculated subsequently. The energy ratios were built to evaluate the effect of organic additives and water on the adhesiveness of the asphalt-aggregate interface. The results indicate that the addition of organic additives can enhance the adhesion of the asphalt-aggregate interface in dry conditions, because organic additives reduced the surface free energy of asphalt. However, the organic additives have hydrophobic characteristics and are sensitive to water. As a result, the adhesiveness of the asphalt-aggregate interface of the asphalt containing organic additives in wet conditions sharply decreased due to water damage to asphalt and organic additives. Furthermore, the compatibility of asphalt, aggregate with organic additive was noted and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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6674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Steady-State Creep of Asphalt Concrete

by Alibai Iskakbayev, Bagdat Teltayev and Cesare Oliviero Rossi

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7020142 - 4 Feb 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6223

Abstract

This paper reports the experimental investigation of the steady-state creep process for fine-grained asphalt concrete at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °С and under stress from 0.055 to 0.311 MPa under direct tension and was found to occur at a constant rate. [...] Read more.

This paper reports the experimental investigation of the steady-state creep process for fine-grained asphalt concrete at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °С and under stress from 0.055 to 0.311 MPa under direct tension and was found to occur at a constant rate. The experimental results also determined the start, the end point, and the duration of the steady-state creep process. The dependence of these factors, in addition to the steady-state creep rate and viscosity of the asphalt concrete on stress is satisfactorily described by a power function. Furthermore, it showed that stress has a great impact on the specific characteristics of asphalt concrete: stress variation by one order causes their variation by 3–4.5 orders. The described relations are formulated for the steady-state of asphalt concrete in a complex stressed condition. The dependence is determined between stress intensity and strain rate intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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18127 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Property Analysis of Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets Modified Asphalt Model Using Molecular Dynamics (MD) Method

by Hui Yao, Qingli Dai, Zhanping You, Andreas Bick, Min Wang and Shuaicheng Guo

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7010043 - 3 Jan 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7850

Abstract

This Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation paper presents a physical property comparison study between exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGNP) modified and control asphalt models, including density, glass transition temperature, viscosity and thermal conductivity. The three-component control asphalt model consists of asphaltenes, aromatics, and saturates based [...] Read more.

This Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation paper presents a physical property comparison study between exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGNP) modified and control asphalt models, including density, glass transition temperature, viscosity and thermal conductivity. The three-component control asphalt model consists of asphaltenes, aromatics, and saturates based on previous references. The xGNP asphalt model was built by incorporating an xGNP and control asphalt model and controlling mass ratios to represent the laboratory prepared samples. The Amber Cornell Extension Force Field (ACEFF) was used with assigned molecular electro-static potential (ESP) charge from NWChem analysis. After optimization and ensemble relaxation, the properties of the control and xGNP modified asphalt models were computed and analyzed using the MD method. The MD simulated results have a similar trend as the test results. The property analysis showed that: (1) the density of the xGNP modified model is higher than that of the control model; (2) the glass transition temperature of the xGNP modified model is closer to the laboratory data of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) asphalt binders than that of the control model; (3) the viscosities of the xGNP modified model at different temperatures are higher than those of the control model, and it coincides with the trend in the laboratory data; (4) the thermal conductivities of the xGNP modified asphalt model are higher than those of the control asphalt model at different temperatures, and it is consistent with the trend in the laboratory data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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613 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Towards an Alternate Evaluation of Moisture-Induced Damage of Bituminous Materials

by Aboelkasim Diab, Zhanping You, Xu Yang and Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(10), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7101049 - 13 Oct 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3534

Abstract

Moisture-induced damage is widely known to cause multiple distresses that affect the durability of constructed pavements and eventually lead to the costly maintenance of pavement structures. The reliability and practicality of the assessment protocol to evaluate moisture susceptibility of flexible pavements presents a [...] Read more.

Moisture-induced damage is widely known to cause multiple distresses that affect the durability of constructed pavements and eventually lead to the costly maintenance of pavement structures. The reliability and practicality of the assessment protocol to evaluate moisture susceptibility of flexible pavements presents a dilemma within the asphalt community that arises from the complexity and interrelation of moisture mechanisms in the asphalt–aggregate system. Researchers worldwide are continuously trying to develop suitable evaluation methods to simulate the combined destructive field-induced effects of moisture in the laboratory to help practitioners identify and alleviate this complex problem. The main objective of this article is to provide insights and highlight the challenges and opportunities of this important topic in order to extend and share knowledge towards finding a realistic assessment protocol of moisture damage in the laboratory. Two scenarios are proposed in this article: (1) a damage rate concept that accounts for the change of mechanical property (e.g., indirect tensile strength) with respect to the conditioning time, and (2) the establishment of a database using a surface free energy concept to help stakeholders select appropriate asphalt–aggregate combinations without the need to run additional moisture susceptibility tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Materials and Paving Technologies)

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