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Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 December 2023) | Viewed by 20834

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wensheng Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Transportation, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
Interests: nondestructive testing technology; structural health monitoring; bridge and infrastructure engineering; road materials and pavement design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Qinglin Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
Interests: road engineering; asphalt mixture damage mechanics; fracture performance evaluation and characterization of civil materials; multiscale modeling of asphalt mixture; application of digital image processing technology in asphalt mixture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jue Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Traffic & Transportation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
Interests: road engineering; construction and demolition waste; coarse/fine aggregate; polymer concrete; unbonded granular material; dynamic response; discrete element method
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Civil materials and structures are essential to engineering, but are very vulnerable to harsh environments, freeze–thaw actions, loading, etc. These factors can cause damage to civil structure and infrastructure by exerting negative influences on the mechanical and functional properties of civil materials (e.g., asphalt and cement concretes). With the continuous development of large-scale maintenance of infrastructure, accurate, reasonable and efficient mechanical behavior evaluation and performance prediction of civil materials and structures have become the key to improve the service durability and intelligent maintenance management for infrastructure.

The multi-component composition, multi-scale characteristics and multi-field dependence of civil materials lead to extremely complex mechanical behaviors. The phenomenological method based on empirical tests is an important means to understand and evaluate civil materials, but the low efficiency and high consumption cannot meet the design and application requirements of civil materials. Numerical simulation has gradually become an important tool to study and understand the mechanical behavior of civil materials and structures, including finite element method (FEM), discrete element method (DEM), molecular dynamics simulation (MD), etc. In addition, the rapid development of numerical simulation has greatly promoted the modeling and simulations of civil materials. Artificial intelligence is known for including powerful computational techniques and is now being used more frequently by civil engineers to solve real problems related to civil materials and structures. This field is under fast development and numerous novel technologies have been proposed to characterize and evaluate the performance of civil materials and structures.

Considering the above, the aim of this Special Issue is to bring together the cutting-edge research and application. To share, present, and discuss the innovative materials, structures and characterization methods may help us to further develop the technology used in civil engineering. Submission of original research and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Wensheng Wang
Dr. Qinglin Guo
Dr. Jue Li
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. Materials 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 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

  • civil engineering
  • cementitious materials
  • asphalt materials
  • artificial intelligence
  • new modeling and simulations
  • material design
  • performance prediction
  • construction
  • applications

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Published Papers (21 papers)

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16 pages, 3575 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study and Application of Controlled Low-Strength Materials in Trench Backfilling in Suqian City, China
by Jingmin Xu, Qiwu Luo, Yong Tang, Zhibo Zeng and Jun Liao
Materials 2024, 17(4), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17040775 - 06 Feb 2024
Viewed by 547
Abstract
When backfilling narrow spaces, controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) can be used to achieve an effective backfilling effect. The pipeline engineering in Yahnghe Avenue of Suqian, China, provides a favorable on-site condition for the use of CLSM. However, no guidance exists for the determination [...] Read more.
When backfilling narrow spaces, controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) can be used to achieve an effective backfilling effect. The pipeline engineering in Yahnghe Avenue of Suqian, China, provides a favorable on-site condition for the use of CLSM. However, no guidance exists for the determination of the material mixture ratio of CLSM for this geological condition. Laboratory tests were performed to investigate the basic physical parameters of excavated soil and the optimal mixture ratio of CLSM. Results indicate that the sand and silt account for 29.76% and 57.23% of the weight of excavated soil, respectively. As the water content increases (from 40% to 50%), the flowability of the CLSM approximately shows a linear increase (slumps values from 154.3 mm to 269.75 mm for 9% cement content), while its compressive strength shows a linear decreasing trend (from 875.3 KPa to 468.3 KPa after curing for 28 days); as the cement content increases (from 6% to 12%), the flowability approximately shows a linear decreasing trend (from 238.8 mm to 178.5 mm for 45% water content), while the compressive strength shows a linear increasing trend (from 391.6 KPa to 987.6 KPa after curing for 28 days). By establishing the relationship between compressive strength/flowability and the water–cement ratio, the optimal material ratio is determined to be 9% cement content and 40–43% water content. The engineering application results indicate that the use of CLSM can achieve efficient and high-quality backfilling effects for pipeline trenches. The findings of this research may provide a reference for the application of CLSM in fields with similar geological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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19 pages, 8649 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced CGF All-Solid-Waste Binder-Solidified Soil
by Xinyi Qiu, Junjie Yang, Yalei Wu, Lijun Yan and Qiang Liu
Materials 2024, 17(2), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020388 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 638
Abstract
In order to realize the resource utilization of solid waste and improve the tensile strength and toughness of soil, CCR-GGBS-FA all-solid-waste binder (CGF) composed of general industrial solid waste calcium carbide residue (CCR), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) [...] Read more.
In order to realize the resource utilization of solid waste and improve the tensile strength and toughness of soil, CCR-GGBS-FA all-solid-waste binder (CGF) composed of general industrial solid waste calcium carbide residue (CCR), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) was used instead of cement and combined with polypropylene fiber to strengthen the silty soil taken from Dongying City, China. An unconfined compressive strength test (UCS test) and a uniaxial tensile test (UT test) were carried out on 10 groups of samples with five different fiber contents to uncover the effect of fiber content on tensile and compressive properties, and the reinforcement mechanism was studied using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test. The test results show that the unconfined compressive strength, the uniaxial tensile strength, the deformation modulus, the tensile modulus, the fracture energy and the residual strength of fiber-reinforced CGF-solidified soil are significantly improved compared with nonfiber-solidified soil. The compressive strength and the tensile strength of polypropylene-fiber-reinforced CGF-solidified soil reach the maximum value when the fiber content is 0.25%, as the unconfined compressive strength and the tensile strength are 3985.7 kPa and 905.9 kPa, respectively, which are 116.60% and 186.16% higher than those of nonfiber-solidified soil, respectively. The macro–micro tests identify that the hydration products generated by CGF improve the compactness through gelling and filling in solidified soil, and the fiber enhances the resistance to deformation by bridging and forming a three-dimensional network structure. The addition of fiber effectively improves the toughness and stiffness of solidified soil and makes the failure mode of CGF-solidified soil transition from typical brittle failure to plastic failure. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the application of fiber-reinforced CGF-solidified soil in practical engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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13 pages, 4274 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Tensile and Puncture Properties of Geotextiles Influenced by Soil Moisture under Freezing Conditions
by Lanjun Liu, Haiku Zhang, Jinhuan Zhu, Shixin Lv and Lulu Liu
Materials 2024, 17(2), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020376 - 11 Jan 2024
Viewed by 612
Abstract
Freezing conditions under different humidity will influence the mechanical properties of geotextiles, leading to the gradual fracture of geotextiles. It brings hidden danger to the whole isolation, reinforcement and protection of rock and soil. It is particularly important to study the tensile and [...] Read more.
Freezing conditions under different humidity will influence the mechanical properties of geotextiles, leading to the gradual fracture of geotextiles. It brings hidden danger to the whole isolation, reinforcement and protection of rock and soil. It is particularly important to study the tensile and puncture properties of geotextiles considering low temperature and moisture content. In this paper, a series of tensile and puncture tests of geotextiles are performed under different low temperatures (0, −3, −6, −9, and −12 °C) and at different moisture content levels (0, 5, 10, 30, 50, and 80%). From the microscopic perspective, the failure mechanism considering the low temperature and moisture content was explained comprehensively. Experimental results indicate that with a decrease in freezing temperature, the tensile strength of geotextiles increases as a parabolic function while the elongation at failure decreases as an exponential function. Additionally, the puncture strength of geotextiles presented a parabolic increase with the decreasing temperature. Under the freezing temperature environment, the higher moisture content of geotextiles can generate a higher puncture strength increment. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the tensile and puncture properties of geotextile materials considering low temperature and moisture content. It can provide important guidance for the design of slopes, the reinforcement of earthen dams, and roadbed reinforcement with geotextiles in cold regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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17 pages, 6921 KiB  
Article
Sensitivity and Reliability Analysis of Ultrasonic Pulse Parameters in Evaluating the Laboratory Properties of Asphalt Mixtures
by Xiaoshu Tan, Chunli Wu, Liding Li, He Li, Chunyu Liang, Yongchao Zhao, Hanjun Li, Jing Zhao and Fuen Wang
Materials 2023, 16(21), 6852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16216852 - 25 Oct 2023
Viewed by 683
Abstract
The ultrasonic test is a promising non-destructive testing technique for evaluating the properties of asphalt mixtures. To investigate the applicability and reliability of ultrasonic testing technology (UTT) in evaluating the performance of asphalt mixtures, ultrasonic tests, indirect tensile tests, compression tests, and dynamic [...] Read more.
The ultrasonic test is a promising non-destructive testing technique for evaluating the properties of asphalt mixtures. To investigate the applicability and reliability of ultrasonic testing technology (UTT) in evaluating the performance of asphalt mixtures, ultrasonic tests, indirect tensile tests, compression tests, and dynamic modulus tests were carried out at various temperatures. Subsequently, the distribution characteristics of ultrasonic traveling parameters for asphalt mixtures were analyzed. The variation of ultrasonic pulse velocity and amplitude in dry and wet states with temperature was studied. Then, the correlation between the ultrasonic parameters and both the volume parameters and the mechanical performance parameters of asphalt mixtures was revealed, and the functional relationship between ultrasonic pulse velocity and compressive strength was established. Finally, the reliability of predicting high-frequency dynamic modulus by ultrasonic velocity was verified. The laboratory tests and analysis results indicate that both ultrasonic pulse velocity and amplitude in dry and wet conditions show a decreasing trend with an increase in temperature. Ultrasonic parameters are greatly influenced by asphalt content and mineral aggregate content of 9.5~13.2 mm and 13.2~16 mm. The dynamic modulus at a high-frequency load can be predicted by using ultrasonic velocity, and predicting the results for OGFC and SMA mixtures deduced by using the UPV at a high-frequency load have higher reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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17 pages, 9859 KiB  
Article
Study on the Effect of Foam Stability on the Properties of Foamed Lightweight Soils
by Hao Liu, Cong Shen, Jixin Li, Gaoke Zhang, Yongsheng Wang and Huiwen Wan
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186225 - 15 Sep 2023
Viewed by 698
Abstract
The properties of prepared foamed lightweight soils (FLSs) using prefabricated foam requires high foam stability. This paper investigates the geometrical characteristics of different foam densities, different types of foaming agents in the air, and the presence of slurry. Then, it studies their effects [...] Read more.
The properties of prepared foamed lightweight soils (FLSs) using prefabricated foam requires high foam stability. This paper investigates the geometrical characteristics of different foam densities, different types of foaming agents in the air, and the presence of slurry. Then, it studies their effects on the pore structure and mechanical properties of FLS. Results show that with the increase in foam density the bleeding rate of foam in the air for 1 h increases and the foam with a foam density of 50 kg/m3 is the most stable in the air. The stability of foam in slurry is not directly related to the property of foam in the air. The FLS prepared with the same foaming agent had the best performance with the FLS designed with a foam density of 50 kg/m3, which had the smallest average pore size and the most minor pore size distribution, and had the highest compressive strength. Among the three different foaming agents, Type-S was the best, and the slurry had the lowest rate of increase in wet density after the defoaming test, indicating that the foam had the best stability in the cement slurry. The FLS prepared with the density of 50 kg/m3 using the Type-S foaming agent and mixed with the slurry of cement, fly ash:slag:water = 105:105:140:227.5, was hardened to a mean pore size of 299 μm, and the 7 days, 28 days, and 56 days compressive strengths were 0.92 MPa, 2.04 MPa, and 2.48 MPa, respectively, which had the smallest average pore size and the highest compressive strength among the FLSs prepared using the three foaming agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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18 pages, 3519 KiB  
Article
Research on the Flexural Performance of Steel Pipe Steel Slag Powder Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Components
by Xianyuan Tang, Chenzhuo Feng, Jin Chang, Jieling Ma and Xiansong Hu
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175960 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 654
Abstract
In order to study the flexural performance of the combined structure of steel-pipe and steel slag powder ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), nine round steel-pipe beams filled with steel slag powder UHPC of different types were fabricated according to the orthogonal test method with the [...] Read more.
In order to study the flexural performance of the combined structure of steel-pipe and steel slag powder ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), nine round steel-pipe beams filled with steel slag powder UHPC of different types were fabricated according to the orthogonal test method with the steel pipe type, coarse aggregate content, steel fiber admixture, and curing system as parameters. The broken ring morphology, deformation characteristics, deflection distribution, and flexural bearing capacity of the steel-pipe–UHPC beams were analyzed via a pure bending test and a finite element simulation. The results show that the damage morphology of the round steel-tube–UHPC beams prepared by using steel slag powder UHPC as the inner filling material was “bow damage” under the pure bending load, and the load capacity was higher. When the cross-sectional deflection reached L/30, the external load was still not reduced, and the steel-tube–steel-slag powder-UHPC beam had a better plastic deformation capacity and a later flexural bearing capacity. The type of steel tube had a significant influence on the flexural bearing capacity of the steel-tube–UHPC beam, and the larger the diameter of the steel tube section and the thicker the tube wall, the higher its flexural bearing capacity. The calculated ultimate flexural bearing capacity by the finite element software and the test results had a stable error between 5.6% and 11.2%, which indicates that the model was reasonably established. The research results can provide a reference for the application of steel pipe UHPC engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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17 pages, 7137 KiB  
Article
Seismic Performance of Drained Piles in Layered Soils
by Yaohui Yang, Gongfeng Xin, Yumin Chen, Armin W. Stuedlein and Chao Wang
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175868 - 27 Aug 2023
Viewed by 716
Abstract
The provision of drains to geotechnical elements subjected to strong ground motion can reduce the magnitude of shaking-induced excess pore pressure and the corresponding loss of soil stiffness and strength. A series of shaking table tests were conducted within layered soil models to [...] Read more.
The provision of drains to geotechnical elements subjected to strong ground motion can reduce the magnitude of shaking-induced excess pore pressure and the corresponding loss of soil stiffness and strength. A series of shaking table tests were conducted within layered soil models to investigate the effectiveness of drained piles to reduce the liquefaction hazard in and near pile-improved ground. The effect of the number of drains per pile and the orientation of the drains relative to the direction of shaking were evaluated in consideration of the volume of porewater discharged, the magnitude of excess pore pressure generated, and the amount of de-amplification in the ground’s motion. The following main conclusions can be drawn from this study. Single, isolated piles and a group of drained piles were tested in three series of shake table tests. Relative to conventional piles, the drained piles exhibited improved performance with regard to the generation and dissipation of excess pore pressure and stiffness of the surrounding soil, with increases in performance correlated with increases in the discharge capacity of the drained pile. The acceleration time histories observed within the pile-improved soil indicated a coupling of the rate and magnitude of porewater discharge, excess pore pressure generated, and de-amplification of strong ground motion. The amount of de-amplification reduced with increases in the number of drains per pile and corresponding reductions in excess pore pressure. The improved performance should prove helpful in the presence of sloping ground characterized with low-permeability soil layers that inhibit the dissipation of pore pressure and have demonstrated the significant potential for post-shaking slope deformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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19 pages, 5695 KiB  
Article
Optimization Design and Mechanical Performances of Plant-Mix Hot Recycled Asphalt Using Response Surface Methodology
by Honglin Liu, Jinping Wang, Weiwei Lu and Naitian Zhang
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175863 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 855
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the influence of material design parameters on the physical and mechanical properties of recycled asphalt. A Box–Behnken design was employed to determine the optimal preparation scheme for 17 groups of recycled asphalt. The effects of styreneic methyl copolymer [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the influence of material design parameters on the physical and mechanical properties of recycled asphalt. A Box–Behnken design was employed to determine the optimal preparation scheme for 17 groups of recycled asphalt. The effects of styreneic methyl copolymer (SMC) regenerant content, styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt content, and shear temperature on the mechanical properties of recycled asphalt were analyzed using conventional and high/low-temperature rheological tests. The optimal processing parameters were determined by a response surface model based on multiple response indexes. The results revealed that the SBS-modified asphalt content had the most significant effect on the penetration of recycled asphalt. An increase in SMC regenerant content led to a gradual decrease in the rutting factor, while SBS-modified asphalt content had the opposite effect. The usage of SMC regenerant helped to reduce non-recoverable creep compliance by adjusting the proportion of viscoelastic–plastic components in recycled asphalt. Furthermore, the stiffness modulus results indicated that the addition of SMC regenerant improved the recovery performance of recycled asphalt at a low temperature. The recommended contents of SMC regenerant and SBS-modified asphalt are 7.88% and 150%, respectively, with a shear temperature of 157.7 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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15 pages, 7175 KiB  
Article
Study on the Strength and Failure Characteristics of Silty Mudstone Using Different Unloading Paths
by Jijing Wang, Hualin Zhang, Shuangxing Qi, Hanbing Bian, Biao Long and Xinbo Duan
Materials 2023, 16(14), 5155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16145155 - 21 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 669
Abstract
To investigate the strength and failure characteristics of silty mudstone using different stress paths, silt-like mudstone specimens were subjected to triaxial unloading tests. The results indicate the following. (1) When subjected to equivalent initial deviator stress levels and differing confining pressures, the peak [...] Read more.
To investigate the strength and failure characteristics of silty mudstone using different stress paths, silt-like mudstone specimens were subjected to triaxial unloading tests. The results indicate the following. (1) When subjected to equivalent initial deviator stress levels and differing confining pressures, the peak stress, residual stress, and elastic modulus, exhibited during unloading, increased concordantly with greater initial confining pressure. Both the peak strain and residual strain increased with rising initial confining pressure. The increase in peak strain and residual strain initially decelerated, then noticeably increased, before ultimately decreasing again. Additionally, the unloading failure time and strain rate demonstrated a negative correlation as the confining pressure increased. (2) Under different initial deviatoric stress conditions, the peak stress, residual stress, and residual strain, under unloading confining pressure conditions, decreased as the initial deviatoric stress levels elevated. Conversely, the peak strain and elastic modulus initially increased, then decreased under increasing initial deviatoric stress conditions. The unloading failure time and strain rate were both observed to decrease as the initial deviatoric stress levels increased. (3) Utilizing the Mohr stress circle enabled the characterization of the shear strength variation in the specimens during the unloading process. The cohesion and internal friction angle remained relatively consistent across the different unloading stress paths appraised, with cohesion being greater in path I versus path II, whereas the internal friction angle exhibited an inverse relationship. (4) The specimen failed during unloading due to lateral expansion caused by unloading confining pressure and collapse failure. The failure fracture surfaces predominantly manifested shear failure morphologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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23 pages, 9771 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Stability of Tensegrity Structures—Part II: The Periodic External Load
by Paulina Obara and Justyna Tomasik
Materials 2023, 16(13), 4564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134564 - 24 Jun 2023
Viewed by 896
Abstract
The paper contains a parametric analysis of tensegrity structures subjected to periodic loads. The analysis focuses on determining the main region of dynamic instability. When load parameters fall within this region, the resulting vibration amplitudes increase, posing a risk to the durability of [...] Read more.
The paper contains a parametric analysis of tensegrity structures subjected to periodic loads. The analysis focuses on determining the main region of dynamic instability. When load parameters fall within this region, the resulting vibration amplitudes increase, posing a risk to the durability of structures. The study considers structures built using commonly used modules. The influence of the initial prestress on the distribution of the instability regions is examined. Additional prestress can significantly reduce the extent of instability regions, potentially narrowing them by up to 99%. A nondimensional parameter is introduced to accurately assess changes in the extent of the instability region. A geometrically non-linear model is employed to evaluate the behavior of the analyzed structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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16 pages, 2230 KiB  
Article
Study on Preparation and Performance of Foamed Lightweight Soil Grouting Material for Goaf Treatment
by Zhizhong Zhao, Jie Chen, Yangpeng Zhang, Tinghui Jiang and Wensheng Wang
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124325 - 12 Jun 2023
Viewed by 800
Abstract
The harm goafs and other underground cavities cause to roads, which could lead to secondary geological hazards, has attracted increased attention. This study focuses on developing and evaluating the effectiveness of foamed lightweight soil grouting material for goaf treatment. The study examines the [...] Read more.
The harm goafs and other underground cavities cause to roads, which could lead to secondary geological hazards, has attracted increased attention. This study focuses on developing and evaluating the effectiveness of foamed lightweight soil grouting material for goaf treatment. The study examines the foam stability of different foaming agent dilution ratios by analyzing foam density, foaming ratio, settlement distance, and bleeding volume. The results show that there is no significant variation in foam settlement distance for different dilution ratios, and the difference in foaming ratio does not exceed 0.4 times. However, the bleeding volume is positively correlated with the dilution ratio of the foaming agent. At a dilution ratio of 60×, the bleeding volume is about 1.5 times greater than that at 40×, which reduces foam stability. Furthermore, an appropriate amount of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate improves both the foaming ability of the foaming agent and the stability of the foam. Additionally, this study investigates how the water–solid ratio affects the basic physical properties, water absorption, and stability of foamed lightweight soil. Foamed lightweight soil with target volumetric weights of 6.0 kN/m3 and 7.0 kN/m3 meet the flow value requirement of 170~190 mm when the water–solid ratio ranges are set at 1:1.6~1:1.9 and 1:1.9~1:2.0, respectively. With an increasing proportion of solids in the water–solid ratio, the unconfined compressive strength initially increases and then decreases after 7 and 28 days, reaching its maximum value when the water–solid ratio is between 1:1.7 and 1:1.8. The values of unconfined compressive strength at 28 days are approximately 1.5–2 times higher than those at 7 days. When the water ratio is excessively high, the water absorption rate of foamed lightweight soil increases, resulting in the formation of connected pores inside the material. Therefore, the water–solid ratio should not be set at 1:1.6. During the dry–wet cycle test, the unconfined compressive strength of foamed lightweight soil decreases, but the rate of strength loss is relatively low. The prepared foamed lightweight soil meets the durability requirements during dry–wet cycles. The outcomes of this study may aid the development of enhanced approaches for goaf treatment using foamed lightweight soil grout material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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14 pages, 6794 KiB  
Article
Influence of Pretreatment Methods on Compressive Performance Improvement and Failure Mechanism Analysis of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
by Dongbin Lv, Kainan Huang and Wensheng Wang
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3807; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103807 - 18 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1019
Abstract
The utilization of recycled aggregate can avert the squandering of resources and the destruction of the environment. Nevertheless, there exists a slew of old cement mortar and microcracks on the surface of recycled aggregate, which give rise to the poor performance of aggregates [...] Read more.
The utilization of recycled aggregate can avert the squandering of resources and the destruction of the environment. Nevertheless, there exists a slew of old cement mortar and microcracks on the surface of recycled aggregate, which give rise to the poor performance of aggregates in concrete. In this study, for the sake of ameliorating this property of recycled aggregates, the surface of the recycled aggregates is covered with a layer of cement mortar to compensate for the microcracks on the surface and reinforce the bond between old cement mortar and aggregates. In order to demonstrate the influence of recycled aggregate by different cement mortar pretreatment methods, this study prepared natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and concretes with recycled aggregate after the wetting pretreatment (RAC-W) and cement mortar pretreatment (RAC-C), and conducted uniaxial compressive strength tests on different types of concrete at different curing ages. The test results indicated that the compressive strength of RAC-C at a 7 d curing age was higher than that of RAC-W and NAC, and the compressive strength of RAC-C at a 28 d curing age was higher than RAC-W but lower than NAC. The compressive strength of NAC and RAC-W at a 7 d curing age was about 70% of that at a 28 d curing age, and the compressive strength of RAC-C at a 7 d curing age was about 85–90% of that at a 28 d curing age. The compressive strength of RAC-C increased dramatically at the early stage, while the post-strength of the NAC and RAC-W groups increased rapidly. The fracture surface of RAC-W mainly occurred in the transition zone between the recycled aggregates and old cement mortar under the pressure of the uniaxial compressive load. However, the main failure of RAC-C was the crushing destruction of cement mortar. With changes in the amount of cement added beforehand, the proportion of aggregate damage and A-P interface damage of RAC-C also changed accordingly. Therefore, the recycled aggregate pretreated with cement mortar can significantly improve the compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete. The optimal amount of pre-added cement was 25%, which is recommended for practical engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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18 pages, 12745 KiB  
Article
Multiscale Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Hydrated Lime and Basalt Fiber Modified Asphalt Mixture
by Hang Diao, Tianqing Ling, Zhan Zhang, Bo Peng and Qiang Huang
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103608 - 09 May 2023
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Long-life pavement construction is an important research direction for sustainable road development. Fatigue cracking of aging asphalt pavement is one of the main reasons that affects its service life, and improving the fatigue resistance of aging asphalt pavement has become a key factor [...] Read more.
Long-life pavement construction is an important research direction for sustainable road development. Fatigue cracking of aging asphalt pavement is one of the main reasons that affects its service life, and improving the fatigue resistance of aging asphalt pavement has become a key factor in promoting the development of long-life pavement. In order to enhance the fatigue resistance of aging asphalt pavement, hydrated lime and basalt fiber were selected to prepare a modified asphalt mixture. The resistance to fatigue is evaluated by the four-point bending fatigue test and self-healing compensation test, based on the energy method, the phenomenon-based approach, and other methods. The results of each method of evaluation were also compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the incorporation of hydrated lime can improve the adhesion of the asphalt binder, while the incorporation of basalt fiber can stabilize the internal structure. When incorporated alone, basalt fiber has no noticeable effect, while hydrated lime significantly improves the fatigue performance of the mixture after thermal aging. Mixing both ingredients produced the best improvement effect under various conditions, with a fatigue life improvement of 53%. In the multi-scale evaluation of fatigue performance, it was found that the initial stiffness modulus was unsuitable as a direct evaluation index of fatigue performance. Using the fatigue damage rate or the stable value of dissipated energy change rate as an evaluation index can clearly characterize the fatigue performance of the mixture before and after aging. The self-healing rate and self-healing decay index clearly reflected the fatigue damage healing process under repeated loading and could be used as relevant indices for evaluating the new-scale fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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19 pages, 9711 KiB  
Article
Effects of Aging and Immersion on the Healing Property of Asphalt–Aggregate Interface and Relationship to the Healing Potential of Asphalt Mixture
by Haimei, Lili Li, Qinglin Guo, Tongmao Zhao, Pan Zuo and Fengming E
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093574 - 06 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1039
Abstract
The self-healing ability of asphalt–aggregate bonding interfaces can maintain the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. However, the interface’s healing ability will also be affected by moisture and aging. In order to clarify the influence of moisture and aging on the healing ability of [...] Read more.
The self-healing ability of asphalt–aggregate bonding interfaces can maintain the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. However, the interface’s healing ability will also be affected by moisture and aging. In order to clarify the influence of moisture and aging on the healing ability of a bonding interface, the effects of healing period and temperature on the self-healing level of interfacial strength were measured. The healing master curve of the strength was established. Thereafter, the effects of soaking time, salt solution concentration, and thermal aging on the healing degree of interfacial strength were measured. Based on digital image processing technology and the meso-finite element method, the influence of the interface on the healing performance of the mixture was simulated and analyzed, which was then verified by the beam bend healing test. The results show that the healing index of bonding strength increases with the ascent of healing temperature and period. Healing index gradually decreases with the extension of soaking period, and the higher the concentration of salt in the solution, the worse the healing performance of interfacial strength. After asphalt aging, the healing potential of the interface is weakened. There is a good linear relationship between the healing level of an asphalt–aggregate interface and the level of strength and fracture energy of the mixture. However, the actual healing level of an asphalt mixture is obviously lower than that of the interface, due to the addition of mineral filler. This paper provides a method for predicting the recovery performance of asphalt pavement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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17 pages, 11151 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Polyester Fiber on Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Using Response Surface Methodology
by Jie Pan, Jiao Jin, Shuai Liu, Mengcheng Xiao, Guoping Qian and Zhuo Wang
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093469 - 29 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
The incorporation of crumb rubber (CR) into asphalt pavement materials can improve the performance of asphalt pavement and generate environmental benefits. However, the storage stability of the crumb rubber asphalt (CRA) remains an issue that needs to be resolved. This study explores the [...] Read more.
The incorporation of crumb rubber (CR) into asphalt pavement materials can improve the performance of asphalt pavement and generate environmental benefits. However, the storage stability of the crumb rubber asphalt (CRA) remains an issue that needs to be resolved. This study explores the interaction laws among various modified materials based on the response surface methodology. Optimal preparation dosages of each material are determined, and performance predictions and validations are conducted. The storage stability of the CRA compounded with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and polyester fiber (PF) is investigated by combining traditional compatibility testing methods with refined characterization methods. The results indicate that the modification of CRA exhibits better rheological properties when the percentages of CR, PF, and ESO are 22%, 0.34%, and 3.21%, respectively. The addition of ESO effectively complements the light components of CRA to improve asphalt compatibility, and the addition of PF alleviates the adverse effects of ESO’s softening effect on rheological properties through stabilization and three-dimensional strengthening. The scientifically compounded additions of ESO and PF can effectively enhance the storage stability and rheological properties of CRA, promoting the development of sustainable and durable roads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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20 pages, 6043 KiB  
Article
Hydration Heat Control of Mass Concrete by Pipe Cooling Method and On-Site Monitoring-Based Influence Analysis of Temperature for a Steel Box Arch Bridge Construction
by Tan Zhang, Hua Wang, Yuejing Luo, Ye Yuan and Wensheng Wang
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072925 - 06 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1820
Abstract
The steel box arch bridge in this study will be subjected to various temperature effects from the construction to the operation stage, including the cement hydration heat effect and the sunshine temperature effect caused by an ambient temperature change. Therefore, it is very [...] Read more.
The steel box arch bridge in this study will be subjected to various temperature effects from the construction to the operation stage, including the cement hydration heat effect and the sunshine temperature effect caused by an ambient temperature change. Therefore, it is very important to control the temperature effect of steel box arch bridges. In this study, the newly built Dafeng River Bridge is selected as the steel box arch bridge. This study aims to investigate the temperature effect including hydration heat and the sunshine temperature effect of the construction process of a rigid frame-tied steel box arch bridge. The manuscript presents that the heat dissipation performance of concrete decreases with the increase in the thickness of a mass concrete structure. The average maximum temperature values of layer No. 3 are about 1.3, 1.2, and 1.1 times the average maximum temperature value of layer No. 1 for the mass concrete of the cushion cap, main pier and arch abutment, respectively. The higher the molding temperature is, the higher the maximum temperature by the hydration heat effect is. With each 5 °C increase in the molding temperature, the maximum temperature at the core area increases by about 4~5 °C for the mass concrete. The pipe cooling method is conducive to the hydration heat control effect of mass concrete. Based on the monitored temperature change and displacement change, the influences of daily temperature change on the steel lattice beam and arch rib are analyzed. A temperature rise will cause the structure to have a certain camber in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal or transverse displacement caused by the sunshine temperature change is no less than the vertical displacement. Due to the symmetrical construction on both sides of the river, the arch rib deformation on both sides presents symmetrical synchronous changes. Based on 84 h of continuous temperature monitoring on-site, the changing trends of the arch back temperature and ambient temperature are consistent and their difference is small during 1:00~4:00 in the morning, which is determined as the appropriate closure time for the newly built Dafeng River Bridge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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20 pages, 2704 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Effects of Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA) on the Anti-Ultraviolet Aging Properties of SBR-Modified Asphalt
by Yanling Xu, Kaimin Niu, Hongzhou Zhu, Ruipu Chen and Li Ou
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072784 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1238
Abstract
The ultraviolet (UV) aging of asphalt is an important factor affecting the long-term performance of asphalt pavement, especially in high altitude cold regions. The current studies have reported that styrene butadiene rubber-modified asphalt (SBRMA) has a good cracking resistance at low temperatures. In [...] Read more.
The ultraviolet (UV) aging of asphalt is an important factor affecting the long-term performance of asphalt pavement, especially in high altitude cold regions. The current studies have reported that styrene butadiene rubber-modified asphalt (SBRMA) has a good cracking resistance at low temperatures. In addition, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) is an effective modifier that can enhance the anti-UV aging properties of asphalt. However, the understanding of the improvement mechanism of PPA on the anti-aging of SBRMA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of PPA on the UV aging resistance of SBRMA. The rheological properties of PEN90 asphalt(90#A), SBRMA, and PPA/SBR modified (PPA/SBR-MA) before and after UV aging were evaluated by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. The molecular weight and chemical structure of 90#A, SBRMA, and PPA/SBR-MA were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the interaction and modification mechanism of the modifiers were analyzed. The rheological analysis shows that the high and low temperature performances of SBRMA are improved by adding PPA, and PPA also significantly reduces the sensitivity of SBRMA to UV aging. The microscopic test results show that PPA has a complex chemical reaction with SBRMA, which results in changes in its molecular structure. This condition enhances SBRMA with a more stable dispersion system, inhibits the degradation of the polymer macromolecules of the SBR modifier, and slows down the aging process of base asphalt. In general, PPA can significantly improve the anti-UV aging performance of SBRMA. The Pearson correlations between the aging indexes of the macro and micro properties are also significant. In summary, PPA/SBRMA material is more suitable for high altitude cold regions than SBRMA, which provides a reference for selecting and designing asphalt pavement materials in high altitude cold regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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15 pages, 4832 KiB  
Article
DIC-Enhanced Identification of Bodner–Partom Model Parameters for Bitumen Binder
by Marek Klimczak, Marcin Tekieli, Piotr Zieliński and Mateusz Strzępek
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051856 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 959
Abstract
Bitumen binder is a component of asphalt mixtures that are commonly used as the materials constituting the upper layers of a pavement’s structure. Its main role is to cover all the remaining constituents (aggregate, filler and other possible additives) and create a stable [...] Read more.
Bitumen binder is a component of asphalt mixtures that are commonly used as the materials constituting the upper layers of a pavement’s structure. Its main role is to cover all the remaining constituents (aggregate, filler and other possible additives) and create a stable matrix, in which they are embedded due to the adhesion forces. The long-term performance of bitumen binder is crucial to the holistic behavior of the layer made of the asphalt mixture. In this study, we use the respective methodology to identify the parameters of the well-established Bodner–Partom material model. For the purposes of its parameters identification, we carry out a number of the uniaxial tensile tests with different strain rates. The whole process is enhanced with a digital image correlation (DIC) to capture the material response in a reliable way and to provide deeper insight into the experiment results. The obtained model parameters were used to compute numerically the material response using the Bodner–Partom model. Good agreement between the experimental and numerical results was observed. The maximum error for the elongation rates equal to 6 mm/min and 50 mm/min is of order of 10%. The novel aspects of this paper are as follows: the application of the Bodner–Partom model to the bitumen binder analysis and the DIC-enhancement of the laboratory experiment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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14 pages, 3281 KiB  
Article
Corrosion Behavior of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement under Wet–Dry Cycle and Sulfate Attack
by Linlin Chong, Jianming Yang, Jin Chang, Ailifeila Aierken, Hongxia Liu, Chaohuan Liang and Dongyong Tan
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031101 - 27 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1332
Abstract
This paper investigated the influence of dry–wet cycles and sulfate attack on the performance of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) as well as the effect of waterglass on MKPC. X-ray diffraction (XRD), TG-DTG, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) were used to examine the [...] Read more.
This paper investigated the influence of dry–wet cycles and sulfate attack on the performance of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) as well as the effect of waterglass on MKPC. X-ray diffraction (XRD), TG-DTG, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) were used to examine the phase composition and microstructure of MKPC. The results showed that the flexural and compressive strength of an MKPC paste increased initially and subsequently decreased in different erosion environments. The final strength of the M0 paste exposed to the SK-II environment was the highest, while that of the M0 paste exposed to the DW-II environment was the lowest. The final volume expansion value of MKPC specimens under four corrosion conditions decreased in the following order: DW-II, M0 > SK-II, M0 > DW-II, M1 > SK-I, M0 > DW-I, M0. Compared to the full-soaking environment, the dry–wet cycles accelerated sulfate erosion and the appearance of damages in the macro and micro structure of the MKPC paste. With the increase in the number of the dry and wet cycles, more intrinsic micro-cracks were observed, and the dissolution of hydration products was accelerated. Under the same number of dry–wet cycles, the strength test and volume stability test showed that the durability in a Na2SO4 solution of the MKPC paste prepared with 2% waterglass (M1) was superior to that of the original M0 cement. The micro analysis indicated that waterglass can improve the compactness of the microstructure of MPC and prevent the dissolution of struvite-K. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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23 pages, 6990 KiB  
Article
Influence of Fiber Type and Dosage on Tensile Property of Asphalt Mixture Using Direct Tensile Test
by Shuyao Yang, Zhigang Zhou and Kai Li
Materials 2023, 16(2), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020822 - 14 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1070
Abstract
In engineering practice, fiber addition is a frequently used method to improve the tensile property of asphalt mixture. However, the optimum fiber type and dosage have not been determined by direct tensile tests. In this paper, monotonic tensile tests were conducted on three [...] Read more.
In engineering practice, fiber addition is a frequently used method to improve the tensile property of asphalt mixture. However, the optimum fiber type and dosage have not been determined by direct tensile tests. In this paper, monotonic tensile tests were conducted on three kinds of stone mastic asphalt (SMA13) mixtures, that is, granular-lignin-fiber-reinforced SMA (GFSMA), flocculent-lignin-fiber-reinforced SMA (FFSMA), and basalt-fiber-reinforced SMA (BFSMA) at different fiber dosages to probe the influence of fiber dosage on their tensile mechanical indexes (tensile strength, ultimate strain, elastic modulus, and strain energy density) and to determine the optimum dosage of each kind of fiber. The results showed that with the elevation of fiber dosage, the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and strain energy density of all three kinds of asphalt mixtures increased first and then decreased, while the ultimate strain increased constantly. The optimum dosage was 0.50 wt%, 0.45 wt%, and 0.50 wt% for granular lignin fiber, flocculent lignin fiber, and basalt fiber, respectively. On this basis, strain-controlled direct tensile fatigue tests were conducted on the three kinds of asphalt mixtures at the corresponding optimum fiber dosage. The results indicated that asphalt mixture reinforced with 0.50 wt% granular lignin fiber exhibited ideal direct tensile fatigue performance with respect to fatigue life and accumulative dissipated energy. Therefore, granular lignin fiber is recommended as the favorable fiber type, and its optimum dosage is 0.50 wt%. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the essence of the impact of fiber dosage and type on the tensile property of SMA is whether the reinforcement effect on the mixture matrix outweighs the negative effect of the defects between fiber and mixture matrix, or whether the reverse applies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 3867 KiB  
Review
A Review on Development of Industrial Solid Waste in Tunnel Grouting Materials: Feasibility, Performance, and Prospects
by Bolin Jiang, Mengjun Wu, Shanshan Wu, Aichen Zheng and Shiyong He
Materials 2023, 16(21), 6848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16216848 - 25 Oct 2023
Viewed by 872
Abstract
With rapid infrastructure development worldwide, the generation of industrial solid waste (ISW) has substantially increased, causing resource wastage and environmental pollution. Meanwhile, tunnel engineering requires large quantities of grouting material for ground treatment and consolidation. Using ISW as a component in tunnel grouts [...] Read more.
With rapid infrastructure development worldwide, the generation of industrial solid waste (ISW) has substantially increased, causing resource wastage and environmental pollution. Meanwhile, tunnel engineering requires large quantities of grouting material for ground treatment and consolidation. Using ISW as a component in tunnel grouts provides a sustainable solution to both issues. This paper presented a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in tunnel grouting materials using ISW, focusing on their feasibility, mechanical characteristics, and future development directions. Initially, the concept and classification of ISW were introduced, examining its feasibility and advantages as grouting materials in tunnels. Subsequently, various performances of ISW in tunnel grouting materials were summarized to explore the factors influencing mechanical strength, fluidity, durability, and microstructure characteristics. Simultaneously, this review analyzed current research trends and outlines future development directions. Major challenges, including quality assurance, environmental risks, and lack of standardized specifications, are discussed. Future research directions, including multifunctional grouts, integrated waste utilization, and advanced characterization techniques, are suggested to further advance this field. These findings provided useful insights for the continued development of high-performance and environmentally friendly ISW-based grouting materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures)
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