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Applied Sciences
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Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering
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Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2024 | Viewed by 8618

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hassan Baaj

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Interests: pavement engineering; materials characterization; climate change; sustainability; recycling; self-heling asphalt; warm mix asphalt; smart pavement; life cycle analysis
Dr. Pejoohan Tavassoti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Interests: smart pavements and connected transportation infrastructure; modern pavement instrumentation, non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT/E); advanced construction materials characterization; sustainable materials and green construction technologies; recycled materials valorization in pavements; application of nanotechnology; enhanced pavement design and performance prediction; application of artificial intelligence to pavement engineering problems; 3D printing of cementitious materials; implications of climate change for pavement design and assest management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The transportation system has the same importance to a country as the arteries, veins, and nerves have to the human body. The road has evolved over the years with the evolution of humanity. In recent decades, the road industry has positively changed to meet the needs of sustainable development and cost reduction. Meanwhile, the technological evolution in other transportation-related industries has been spectacular. Therefore, today’s roads will lag behind these technological, economic, environmental, and societal evolutions if the road industry cannot advance at the same rate. The good news is that several researchers worldwide are working on redefining the road of the future. This road is sustainable, resilient, connected, adaptable, self-healing, a source of energy, smart, and versatile. The ideas proposed in this field will contribute to the efforts towards the road of the future.

This Special Issue focuses on emerging technologies and innovative research that target the development of new materials and solutions towards the road of the future.

Prof. Dr. Hassan Baaj
Dr. Pejoohan Tavassoti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Prof. Dr. Hassan Baaj
Dr. Pejoohan Tavassoti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pavement engineering
  • climate change
  • sustainability
  • recycling
  • self-healing asphalt
  • energy harvesting
  • warm mix asphalt
  • smart pavement
  • life cycle analysis

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 4237 KiB  
Article
Wireless Strain Gauge for Monitoring Bituminous Pavements
by Camille Gillot, Benoit Picoux, Philippe Reynaud, Debora Cardoso da Silva, Ndrianary Rakotovao-Ravahatra, Noël Feix and Christophe Petit
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2245; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062245 - 07 Mar 2024
Viewed by 465
Abstract
This paper introduces the implementation of a new device for measuring deformations at the surface layers of bituminous pavement. Using wireless technology, rechargeable remotely, low cost, and easily positioned in a layer by coring after pavement construction, this sensor makes it possible to [...] Read more.
This paper introduces the implementation of a new device for measuring deformations at the surface layers of bituminous pavement. Using wireless technology, rechargeable remotely, low cost, and easily positioned in a layer by coring after pavement construction, this sensor makes it possible to obtain measurements of the deformation when a vehicle passes by. The development of the wireless sensor is presented as well as its advantages and limitations. It was then tested in the laboratory under a hydraulic press and in situ using a full-scale test of the mobile load simulator (MLS10 type). This system allows simple measurement, gives reliable results, and could be a useful device for the structural monitoring of pavement structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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21 pages, 10031 KiB  
Article
Construction of Geosynthetic–Reinforced Pavements and Evaluation of Their Impacts
by Danrong Wang, Sheng-Lin Wang, Susan Tighe, Sam Bhat and Shunde Yin
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10327; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810327 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1092
Abstract
Geosynthetic materials (i.e., geogrids, geotextiles and other geocomposites) act as an interlayer system and are widely used in construction applications. In pavement structures, geosynthetic layers provide potential benefits such as reinforcement, reflective cracking mitigation, increased fatigue life, and improved drainage and filtering. However, [...] Read more.
Geosynthetic materials (i.e., geogrids, geotextiles and other geocomposites) act as an interlayer system and are widely used in construction applications. In pavement structures, geosynthetic layers provide potential benefits such as reinforcement, reflective cracking mitigation, increased fatigue life, and improved drainage and filtering. However, few studies have addressed the installation and construction practices of geosynthetics in pavements. Furthermore, the study of geosynthetics and their contribution during construction are limited. In this paper, a full-scale field study was conducted and three trial sections were constructed; two types of geosynthetics, a fibreglass geogrid and a geogrid composite, were installed in the asphalt binder course and at the interface between the subgrade and base layer, respectively, to be compared with a control section without geosynthetic reinforcement. Trial sections were instrumented to monitor the pressure applied on the subgrade, the strain in the base lift of the asphalt binder course, the temperature, and the moisture within the pavement structure during construction. In addition, post-construction field testing was performed to measure the stiffness of the pavements after construction. The results indicated that geosynthetic-reinforced pavements can maintain pavement resilience during construction and significantly mitigate the disturbances caused by construction activities. The geogrid embedded in the asphalt layer was demonstrated to reduce the pressure at the subgrade caused by paving equipment by 70% compared with the control section, while simultaneously reducing the longitudinal and transverse strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer by 54% and 99%. Observations from the geogrid composite test section also demonstrate the potential to minimize the impacts of future freeze–thaw at the subgrade due to the improved drainage and indirect insulation effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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16 pages, 2449 KiB  
Article
Using Imaging Techniques to Analyze the Microstructure of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures: Literature Review
by Mai Alawneh and Haithem Soliman
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7813; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137813 - 03 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1623
Abstract
The performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures depends highly on their internal structure and the interaction of the mixture components under different loading conditions. Imaging techniques provide effective tools that can assess the microstructure and failure mechanisms of materials. Imaging techniques have been [...] Read more.
The performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures depends highly on their internal structure and the interaction of the mixture components under different loading conditions. Imaging techniques provide effective tools that can assess the microstructure and failure mechanisms of materials. Imaging techniques have been used in recent research studies to examine and analyze the evolution of the internal structure of AC mixtures resulting from traffic and environmental loading. Increasing knowledge of the microstructural properties and mechanical behaviour of AC mixtures could improve the design process and enable researchers to develop more accurate prediction models for the long-term performance of pavements. This paper reviews three imaging techniques which were used to characterize the microstructure of AC mixtures. These three imaging techniques are digital camera imaging, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, and X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan. Extensive insight has been presented into these imaging techniques, including their principles, methods, sample preparation, and associated instruments. This review provides guidelines for future research on using these imaging techniques to analyze the microstructure of AC mixtures and assess their long-term performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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17 pages, 2048 KiB  
Article
Climate Change Impacts on Frost and Thaw Considerations: Case Study of Airport Pavement Design in Canada
by Paula Sutherland Rolim Barbi, Pejoohan Tavassoti and Susan L. Tighe
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7801; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137801 - 01 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1004
Abstract
Rising temperatures due to climate change can significantly impact the freeze–thaw condition of airport pavements in cold regions. This case study investigates the implications of warming temperatures on the freeze–thaw penetration and frost heave of pavements in critical airports across Canada. To this [...] Read more.
Rising temperatures due to climate change can significantly impact the freeze–thaw condition of airport pavements in cold regions. This case study investigates the implications of warming temperatures on the freeze–thaw penetration and frost heave of pavements in critical airports across Canada. To this end, different methods were used in the quantification process through climate change simulations considering emission scenario RCP8.5 in 20 and 40 year time horizons. The results show that climate change would have different design implications for airport pavements, depending on their location. The predictions suggest a shallower frost penetration depth, and possibly less frost heave, for the airports not underlain by permafrost, while airports over permafrost areas might experience an increase in thickness of the active layer, ranging from 41 to 57 percent, by 2061. Among the different methods used in this study, it was observed that some methods performed better in predicting the frost depth of fine soils, while others worked better in the frost depth prediction of coarse soils. The results indicate the need for more mechanistic models to provide a more realistic prediction of freeze–thaw penetration, as compared to existing empirical models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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19 pages, 2504 KiB  
Article
Contribution to the Research on the Application of Bio-Ash as a Filler in Asphalt Mixtures
by Miroslav Šimun, Sanja Dimter, Goran Grubješić and Karolina Vukelić
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6555; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116555 - 28 May 2023
Viewed by 1231
Abstract
The intensive construction of all categories of roads and the very demanding maintenance of the pavement structures of existing roads due to ever-increasing traffic loads confronts us with a lack of resources and also an increase in cost for the constituent materials of [...] Read more.
The intensive construction of all categories of roads and the very demanding maintenance of the pavement structures of existing roads due to ever-increasing traffic loads confronts us with a lack of resources and also an increase in cost for the constituent materials of asphalt mixtures. On the other hand, there is another problem: large amounts of waste material in the form of bio-ash, which is obtained by burning waste wood biomass in the production of thermal energy and/or electricity. In order to solve the environmental problem of bio-ash disposal, research was conducted on the use of waste bio-ash as a constituent material in asphalt pavements. As part of this study, the effect of asphalt concrete mix, with bio-ash as a filler, on the release of harmful substances into the environment was investigated. The possibility of using wood bio-ash (BA) as a filler in asphalt mixtures was then determined through physical and mechanical property tests. The properties of the asphalt sample’s sensitivity to the action of water (indirect tensile strength ratio—ITSR) and resistance to rutting were tested for asphalt concrete type AC 11 surf with 50% bio-ash in the filler. It was established that asphalt concrete does not release harmful substances into the environment and that the 50% share of bio-ash in the filler results in asphalt that has good resistance to water sensitivity and even greater resistance to rutting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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20 pages, 13642 KiB  
Article
Rheological, Spectroscopic, and Chemical Characterization of Asphalt Binders Modified with Phase Change Materials, Polymers, and Glass Powder
by Haya Almutairi and Hassan Baaj
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4875; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084875 - 13 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Recently, asphalt modifiers have increasingly gained attention for improving the mechanical and thermal characteristics of asphalt mixtures. As a result, innovative additives are being constantly developed to achieve this purpose. However, some modifiers can significantly impact the chemical and rheological properties of the [...] Read more.
Recently, asphalt modifiers have increasingly gained attention for improving the mechanical and thermal characteristics of asphalt mixtures. As a result, innovative additives are being constantly developed to achieve this purpose. However, some modifiers can significantly impact the chemical and rheological properties of the asphalt binder. This paper investigates the rheological, spectroscopic, and chemical properties of asphalt binders modified with a bio-based phase change material (PCM) and phase change material mixed with glass powder (GPCM). Two binders were investigated, PG 58-28 and PG 70-28 polymer modified asphalt binder with 3% SBS. Two different percentages of GPCM (5% and 7%) were added to PG 58-28 and PG 70-28, and 5% PCM was added to PG 58-28. The results indicated that the PCMs effectively reduced the viscosity values of the asphalt binder. Moreover, testing the modified binders using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the PCMs released the stored heat when the melting/freezing temperature was reached. However, adding glass powder with the PCMs negatively affected the thermal properties of PCMs in the asphalt mix. In addition, considerable changes in the stiffness of the binders modified with GPCM at an intermediate temperature were obtained when tested using DSR. Finally, the TGA results revealed that this specific type of PCM would not be suitable as a hot mix asphalt (HMA) modifier as its evaporation temperature is lower than the mixing temperature HMA. However, the use of PCM in warm mix asphalt (WMA) would be a more viable option. The results showed that the evaporation temperature for the PCMs was low; therefore, the PCMs cannot be used in HMA. In addition, modified binders with PCMs and GPCM showed lower viscosity compared to the control binder. The DSR rheological analysis showed that the control binder and 5%PCM, 5%GPCM, 7%GPCM, 5%GPCM, and 7%GPCM binders had similar overall properties. However, the addition of GPCM significantly decreases the stiffness at intermediate temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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19 pages, 6929 KiB  
Article
In-Service Performance Evaluation of Flexible Pavement with Lightweight Cellular Concrete Subbase
by Abimbola Grace Oyeyi, Frank Mi-Way Ni and Susan Tighe
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4757; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084757 - 10 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1283
Abstract
The objective of engineers to improve the long-term performance of road infrastructure in changing global climate has led to the development of alternate materials for pavement construction. Lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) is a viable option for colder climates where pavements undergo several freeze-thaw [...] Read more.
The objective of engineers to improve the long-term performance of road infrastructure in changing global climate has led to the development of alternate materials for pavement construction. Lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) is a viable option for colder climates where pavements undergo several freeze-thaw cycles each year, resulting in faster deterioration of pavements. This is due to LCCs’ excellent freeze-thaw resistance, ease of placement, and potential sustainability benefits such as reduced use of virgin material and industrial by-products. However, there is a need to quantify these benefits and develop unified specifications for using LCC in the pavement structure. Therefore, this study examined the performance of flexible pavement sections that included a subbase layer, unbound granular materials for the control section, and three LCC densities (400, 475, and 600 kg/m3) for the LCC sections. Post-construction evaluation of pavement stiffness and roughness were evaluated using a Lightweight deflectometer and SurPro equipment. The results showed that LCC subbase thickness ≥ 250 mm produced over 22% smoother riding surfaces than unbound granular pavements while increasing pavement stiffness by up to 21%. Finally, this study recommends that LCC subbase thickness should not be thinner than 250 mm when using densities below 475 kg/m3 over weak subgrades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Road of Future—Sustainability and Innovation in Pavement Engineering)
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