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Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2024 | Viewed by 6371

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Songtao Lv

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Guest Editor

School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China
Interests: long-life pavement structure design theory and methods; high-performance pavement materials; pavement digital twins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Xinghai Peng

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Guest Editor

National Engineering Research Center of Highway Maintenance Technology, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China
Interests: long-life pavement structure design; fatigue performance; mechanical response; bio-asphalt; recycled asphalt mixture; numerical simulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Asphalt pavement has been subjected to the alternating and coupling effects of traffic load, water, light, heat, ice, and snow for a long time. The viscoelastic–plastic properties of bitumen make it susceptible to load changes and humid and hot environments, seriously affecting its service life and level of service, until it loses its essential functions. On the one hand, how to use advanced techniques to reveal the material and structural characteristics and performance evolution mechanism of asphalt mixtures under complex service conditions is a critical scientific issue. On the other hand, it is crucial to utilize advanced technology to enhance the resistance ability of bitumen and asphalt mixtures for complex service conditions. This Special Issue aims to use advanced techniques to characterize the various properties of bitumen and asphalt mixtures at multiple scales, including techniques such as microstructure characterization, phase analysis, composition analysis, thermal performance, functional application, and mechanical performance of traditional or multi-functional asphalt mixtures.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Multi-scale analysis of bitumen and asphalt mixtures;
Smart/multifunctional asphalt mixture;
Numerical simulation;
Advanced testing technology for bitumen and asphalt mixtures;
The failure mechanism of asphalt and asphalt mixture;
Service performance of recycled asphalt pavement.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Songtao Lv
Dr. Xinghai Peng
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. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2600 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

environmentally friendly materials
bio-asphalt
polymer-modified asphalt
recycled materials
modification mechanism and microscopic analysis
smart materials and structure
long life structure
numerical simulation
multifunctional pavement

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Intelligent Unmanned Maintenance Construction for Asphalt Pavement Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation and Analytical Hierarchy Process

by Gensheng Hu, Gongzuo Shi, Runhua Zhang, Jianfeng Chen, Haichang Wang and Junzhe Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041112 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 280

Abstract

Conventional human-involved maintenance methods for asphalt pavement pose significant challenges when applied to high-traffic road sections, often leading to congestion and safety risks, as well as reduced maintenance efficiency. In recent years, explorations into unmanned construction technology for newly constructed expressways have yielded beneficial and encouraging results. However, its application in road maintenance in more complex environments still needs to be expanded. In this study, an intelligent unmanned maintenance technology for asphalt pavement was applied to the Lilong Highway in Zhejiang Province, China, and the compactability, thickness, surface smoothness, permeability coefficient, and constructure depth of maintenance road sections were measured. Then, based on fuzzy comprehensive mathematics and the analytic hierarchy process, a comprehensive evaluation was performed on the intelligent unmanned maintenance technology, considering the aspects of road quality, safety, application, and socio-economic benefits. The results show that the road quality of intelligent unmanned maintenance technology can meet the road specification requirements. In addition, the membership degree of unmanned maintenance technology in the excellent grade is the highest, reaching 0.805, and the quantified value for the overall evaluation of the application effectiveness of unmanned maintenance technology is 92.10. This means that the final comprehensive evaluation result of unmanned maintenance technology is rated as excellent. The research findings provide decision-makers with valuable insights into the unmanned automation maintenance challenges faced by asphalt pavement, enabling them to implement appropriate measures to elevate the maintenance standards of road transportation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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21 pages, 3069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Scale and Macro-Scale Characterizations of the Effects of Recycled Plastics on Asphalt Binder Properties

by Ahmad Al-Hosainat, Munir D. Nazzal, Savas Kaya and Toufiq Reza

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030642 - 29 Feb 2024

Viewed by 510

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of one of the first comprehensive laboratory studies that was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding different contents of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPETE) as a modifier to an asphalt binder on the rheological and mechanical properties of the modified binder as well as on the agglomeration behavior between the rPETE and asphalt binder at a multiscale level. The high-temperature and low-temperature performances of the modified binder were investigated at the macro-scale and compared with those of the unmodified binder using dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending-beam rheometer (BBR) rheological tests, as well as asphalt binder cracking device (ABCD) testing. The nano-scale evaluation of the binder properties, including the surface roughness, bonding energy, and reduced modulus, was accomplished using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicated that the addition of rPETE enhanced the high- and intermediate-temperature rheological properties of the modified PG 64-22 binder. The low-temperature rheological properties and resistance to cracking decreased slightly with increasing rPETE content in the asphalt binder. However, this reduction was not remarkable when adding 4%, 8%, and 10% rPETE contents. The asphalt binder modified with 4% rPETE had a low-temperature grade of −22, similar to that of the unmodified binder, indicating that 4% rPETE can be added to the binder to improve its high- and intermediate-temperature properties without reducing its resistance to low-temperature damage. The AFM tapping-mode results indicated that the inclusion of rPETE in the asphalt binder improved the stiffness properties of the modified binder as compared with those of the control asphalt binder. In addition, the rPETE-modified binders showed rougher surfaces than the control binder. The addition of rPETE to the binder increased the values of the reduced modulus and bonding energy compared with those of the control binder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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21 pages, 5663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of a Multifunctional Road Marking Coating for Tunnels Based on Nano SiO₂ and TiO₂ Modifications

by Xiujie Quan, Liang Yang, Hui Li, Yan Chen and Shuang Shi

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020459 - 07 Feb 2024

Viewed by 646

Abstract

Multifunctional road marking coatings with the functions of high-temperature stability, degradation of exhaust gas, and self-cleaning are of great significance for the safe operation and environmental protection of tunnels. This article uses active acrylic resin and an organosilicon hydrophobic agent as the base material, selects expanded vermiculite and glass microspheres as insulation fillers, and uses ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, melamine, and aluminum hydroxide as high-thermal-stability systems to prepare a two-component road marking coating base material. Then, nano SiO₂ and modified nano TiO₂ are added as modifiers to prepare a multifunctional road marking coating for tunnels. The physical and chemical properties of multifunctional road marking coatings are evaluating based on laboratory tests including thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, exhaust degradation, and contact angle tests. The results indicate that the developed multifunctional road marking coating effectively reduces the thermal conductivity of the carbon layer through physical changes in the flame retardant system and the heat resistance formed by the high breaking bond energy of nano SiO₂ during the combustion process. It forms a ceramic-like structure of titanium pyrophosphate with nano TiO₂ that is beneficial for improving flame retardancy without generating harmful volatile gases and has good flame retardant properties. N–V co-doping reduces the bandgap of TiO₂, broadens the absorption range of visible light by nano TiO₂, improves the catalytic efficiency of visible light, and achieves the degradation efficiency of the four harmful components NO_x, HC, CO, and CO₂ in automotive exhaust by 23.4%, 8.3%, 2.5%, and 2.9%, respectively. The solid–liquid phase separation in the multifunctional road marking coating in the tunnel causes the formation and accumulation of nano SiO₂ and TiO₂ particles on the coating surface, resulting in a microstructure similar to the “micro–nano micro-convex” on the lotus leaf surface and making a water droplet contact angle of 134.2° on the coating surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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20 pages, 10190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of the Cracking Moment-Based Asphalt Mixture Splitting Test Method and Splitting Strength Research

by Hongxin Guan, Wang Pan, Hairong Yang and Yuxuan Yang

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020457 - 07 Feb 2024

Viewed by 485

Abstract

The asphalt mixture splitting test is one of the most important methods for measuring asphalt’s tensile properties. To characterize the limitations of the traditional splitting test and the influence of the specimen size and loading conditions on the accuracy of the test, the factors affecting the strength of the splitting test were analyzed to reveal the splitting failure state and establish a unified representation model between the splitting and direct tensile tests. Initially, the moment of specimen cracking was taken as a key indicator, combined with image processing technology, to establish a set of criteria to judge the splitting test. Subsequently, standardized splitting tests were conducted and compared to tests of different specimen sizes and loading methods. Based on the octahedral strength theory, the stress points before and after the improved test were compared to the existing failure criteria. Direct tensile and splitting tests were conducted at different rates, and a unified strength–rate function model was established, realizing the unified representation of direct tensile and splitting tests. The research results indicate that the standardized splitting test is prone to the phenomenon wherein the specimen end face cracks before the center, affecting the accuracy of the test and potentially leading to redundant material strength evaluations. Using a loading method with a “35 mm specimen thickness” and a “0.3 mm rubber gasket + 12.7 mm arc-shaped batten” can essentially achieve the test hypothesis of “cracking at the center first”, resulting in less discrete outcomes and closer alignment to the three-dimensional stress failure state. The tensile and splitting strengths are both power function relationships with the rate as the independent variable, establishing a unified function model of the tensile and failure strengths. The research provides a more reliable testing method and calculation model for asphalt pavement structure design, and it also provides an effective basis for the improvement of splitting tests on materials such as concrete and rock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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21 pages, 4080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Low-Content Epoxy Asphalt Mixture Applied to the Road

by Xiaodong Li, Chuanxi Luo, Shaohuai Wang, Xiang Long, Yan Wang, Jian Li and Mu He

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020443 - 06 Feb 2024

Viewed by 540

Abstract

To realize the application of epoxy asphalt concrete on roads and solve the problem of the high cost of epoxy asphalt concrete and the causes of bulging in the construction process, a low-content epoxy asphalt mixture was experimentally studied. Rheological and microscopic tests were carried out to study its performance. At the same time, 17 kinds of low-content asphalt mixture Marshall test pieces and rut plate test pieces with different oil stone ratios were made. Their road performances were tested, and a watertight breathable epoxy asphalt mixture was studied to solve the bulging problem. The research shows that, for ordinary roads, a content of epoxy resin of 10–15% can meet both the high-temperature and the low-temperature requirements. For sections with special rutting resistance requirements, a controlled epoxy resin content between 15 and 30% is recommended. When the content of epoxy resin is greater than 30%, epoxy asphalt initially forms a crosslinked spatial network. An epoxy asphalt with a complex structure from asphaltene to epoxy, with ultra-high performance, can be used for small steel bridge pavements. A BBR test showed that, with an increase in epoxy resin content, the low-temperature performance of asphalt gradually weakens. When the content was 20%, epoxy asphalt’s low-temperature performance was weaker than that of SBS-modified asphalt. Under extremely low-temperature conditions, the performance of epoxy asphalt could not meet the specifications. When the voids of low equivalent epoxy asphalt mixture are controlled at 4.1–4.5%, it is watertight and breathable; this can solve the problem of bulging and greatly reduce the cost of projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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28 pages, 8142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Dynamic Modulus of High Content Rubber Asphalt Mixture

by Guozhi Zheng, Naitian Zhang and Songtao Lv

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020434 - 05 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 716

Abstract

Currently, the research on the mechanical properties of rubber-modified asphalt mixtures primarily focuses on small-scale investigations, with insufficient exploration into the performance of rubber particles and their relationship with the mechanism and properties of modified asphalt mixtures. Limited studies have been conducted on large-scale rubber modification in asphalt mixtures. Due to frequent use and subsequent high damage to existing asphalt pavements, incorporating rubber-modified asphalt mixtures can partially alleviate premature deterioration. Dynamic modulus tests were conducted using MTS equipment under unconfined conditions to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of rubber-modified asphalt mixtures with high rubber content and elucidate the influence of rubber particle content on the elastic deformation and recovery capability. The dynamic mechanical properties of the mixtures were determined at different loading rates, temperatures, and types of rubber-modified asphalt mixtures. Based on the test data, variations in the dynamic modulus, phase angle, storage modulus, loss modulus, loss factor, and rut factor of the rubber-modified asphalt mixtures under different loading frequencies, temperatures, and types were analyzed. The results demonstrate the pronounced viscoelastic behavior of rubber-modified asphalt mixtures. The mixtures exhibit enhanced elasticity at low temperatures and high frequencies, while their viscosity becomes more prominent at high temperatures and low frequencies. Under constant test temperatures, an increase in load loading frequency leads to a higher dynamic modulus; conversely, a decrease in dynamic modulus is observed with increasing test temperatures. The dynamic modulus of ARHM-25 at a frequency of 10 Hz is found to be 12.99 times higher at 15 °C compared to that at 60 °C, while at 30 °C, the dynamic modulus at 25 Hz is observed to be 2.72 times greater than that at 0.1 Hz. Furthermore, the rutting resistance factors of the asphalt mixtures increase with loading frequency but decrease with temperature. The rutting factor for ARHM-13 at a frequency of 10 Hz is found to be 22.98 times higher at 15 °C compared to that at 60 °C, while at a temperature of 30 °C, the rutting factor for this material is observed to be 3.09 times greater at a frequency of 25 Hz than at 0.1 Hz. These findings suggest that rutting is most likely when vehicles drive at low speeds in hot weather conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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29 pages, 9566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on the Dynamic Response of Asphalt Pavement Structures: Analysis Using the Classic Kelvin, Maxwell, and Three-Parameter Solid Models

by Yonghai He, Songtao Lv, Nasi Xie, Huilin Meng, Wei Lei, Changyu Pu, Huabao Ma, Ziyang Wang, Guozhi Zheng and Xinghai Peng

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010295 - 22 Jan 2024

Viewed by 737

Abstract

This study addressed the complex problems of selecting a constitutive model to objectively characterize asphalt mixtures and accurately determine their viscoelastic properties, which are influenced by numerous variables. Inaccuracies in model or parameter determination can result in significant discrepancies between the calculated and measured results of the pavement’s structural dynamic response. To address this, the research utilized the physical engineering principles of asphalt pavement structure to perform dynamic modulus tests on three types of high-content rubberized asphalt mixtures (HCRAM) within the surface layer. The research aimed to investigate the influencing factors of the dynamic modulus and establish a comprehensive master curve. This study also critically evaluated the capabilities of three viscoelastic models—the three-parameter solid model, the classical Maxwell model, and the classical Kelvin model—in depicting the dynamic modulus of HCRAM. The findings indicated a negative correlation between the dynamic modulus of the asphalt mixture and temperature, while a positive association exists between the loading frequency and temperature, with the impact of the loading frequency diminishing as the temperature increases. Notably, the three-parameter solid model was identified as the most accurate in describing the viscoelastic properties of the HCRAM. Furthermore, the dynamic response calculations revealed that most indexes in the surface layer’s dynamic response are highest when evaluated using the three-parameter viscoelastic model, underscoring its potential to enhance the pavement performance’s predictive accuracy. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing the material performance and guiding the pavement design and maintenance strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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22 pages, 8076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Modulus Decay Model under a Three-Dimensional Stress State of Asphalt Mixture during Fatigue Damage

by Yonghai He, Songtao Lv, Ziyang Wang, Huabao Ma, Wei Lei, Changyu Pu, Huilin Meng, Nasi Xie and Xinghai Peng

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102570 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 833

Abstract

Fatigue damage can develop within asphalt pavement due to the continuous impact of driving loads and natural elements. Understanding the process of asphalt mixtures’ fatigue damage is crucial for guiding the design, maintenance, and repair of asphalt pavement. This research aims to establish a model that characterizes the mixtures’ modulus decay under a three-dimensional (3-D) stress state. Firstly, asphalt mixes were subjected to direct tensile (DT), indirect tensile (IDT), unconfined compressive (UC) strength and fatigue tests, and the resulting data were analyzed. Then, modulus decay models under DT, IDT, and UC conditions were established, and the modulus decay patterns under the three loading modes were compared and analyzed. Finally, using the fatigue stress strength ratio Δ (a fatigue resistance index for asphalt mixtures that takes into account the impacts of stress state and loading rate), a unified characterization model for asphalt mixes’ modulus decay under a 3-D stress state was created. According to the study’s findings, asphalt mixes’ modulus decay during fatigue damage exhibits obvious nonlinear characteristics. While the asphalt mixes’ modulus decay law with various loading modalities is similar under the same conditions, the decay rate may differ. Essentially, the speed of the modulus decay of a certain asphalt mixture primarily depends on the value of Δ during service. A larger Δ indicates a faster modulus decay. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the conversion from material fatigue damage to structural fatigue damage, which is vital for enhancing the asphalt pavements’ construction quality and longevity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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19 pages, 5181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rheological Properties and Microscopic Morphology Evaluation of UHMWPE-Modified Corn Stover Oil Bio-Asphalt

by Jian Li, Chuanxi Luo, Jixing Jie and Haobin Cui

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092167 - 26 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 678

Abstract

In order to promote the efficient utilization of bio-oil, corn stover oil and petroleum asphalt were used to prepare bio-asphalt. UHMWPE was adopted to strengthen the high-temperature properties of bio-asphalt. UHMWPE-modified corn stover oil asphalt was prepared. Rheological and microscopic tests were carried out to study its performance. The softening point and viscosity of the modified asphalt were enhanced with a rise in the UHMWPE dosage. Its ductility and deformation ability increased at 5 °C. An MSCR test suggested that the asphalt’s creep recovery ability and anti-rutting properties decreased at a high stress level. Meanwhile, the low-temperature rheological behavior of UHMWPE-modified corn stover oil asphalt was superior to that of neat asphalt. The corn stover oil ameliorated the asphalt’s low-temperature properties but weakened its high-temperature behavior. The optimal preparation schemes for UHMWPE-modified corn stover oil asphalt were recommended through a comprehensive analysis of the properties. The recommended dosage of UHMWPE was 3–4%, while the corn stover oil dosage was 5%. However, when the dosage of corn stover oil was 10%, the recommended dosage of UHMWPE was 4%. UHMWPE powder was melted and cross-linked with neat asphalt during high-temperature preparation, demonstrating that UHMWPE can enhance the properties of asphalt. The UHMWPE polymer macromolecules can be dispersed in corn stover oil. UHMWPE can form a compact and robust network structure with asphalt. The feasible application of corn stover oil in road engineering was verified, which provides efficient solutions for waste utilization. This study will contribute to the sustainable development of road construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Different Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Techniques)

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