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Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2024 | Viewed by 5986

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jean Pascal Bilodeau

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Water Engineering, Université Laval, Laval, QC, Canada
Interests: road geotechnics; unbound granular materials; pavement maintenance and rehabilitation; pavement analysis and design

Dr. Junyan Yi

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Guest Editor

School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
Interests: multi-scale modeling and rheology of asphalt binder and mixes; transportation sustainability; pavement design, maintenance and rehabilitation

Prof. Alan Carter

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Guest Editor

Department of Construction Engineering, École de Technologie Superieure, 1100 Notre-Dame Street West, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Interests: asphalt binders and mixes; mix design; recycling; pavement maintenance and rehabilitation; pavement design and analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Materials (MDPI) on the design, application and performance improvement of pavement materials aims at providing researchers and scientists with a unique and rewarding opportunity to introduce new and emerging ideas associated with this topic. With the fast-paced evolution of technologies and in the context of ever-growing complexity of technical challenges in pavement engineering, it is crucial to gather state-of-the-art knowledge. Researchers and scientists of the pavement engineering and materials fields are therefore invited to submit original contributions related, but not limited, to areas such as sustainability, recycling, emerging or smart materials, mix design and durability, and methods for design and construction.

Dr. Jean Pascal Bilodeau
Dr. Junyan Yi
Prof. Alan Carter
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

materials
asphalt concrete
unbound materials and subgrades
aggregates
pavement design
pavement performance
technologies
construction
durability
sustainability

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 6919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Properties and Modification Mechanism of SBS-Modified Asphalt by Dry Process

by Ying Wang, Shaohua Guo, Zhongshi Pei, Shizuo Zhan, Senlin Lin, Kezheng Ma, Junwen Lei and Junyan Yi

Materials 2024, 17(7), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071454 - 22 Mar 2024

Viewed by 574

Abstract

SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer) is a thermoplastic elastomer with properties most similar to rubber. SBS asphalt modifier is mainly composed of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer with a certain amount of additives and stabilizers. SBS-modified asphalt binder has always been the most commonly used pavement material both domestically and internationally. However, conventional wet-process SBS-modified asphalt binder requires manufacturers to produce it in advance and transport it to a mixing plant for blending. This has provided an opportunity for unscrupulous businesses to reduce the amount of SBS by adding other substances, allowing inferior asphalt binder to pass inspections undetected. At the same time, conventional wet-process SBS-modified asphalt tends to undergo phase separation and experience a decline in performance as the storage time increases. However, dry-process SBS-modified asphalt can be directly added at the mixing plant, effectively addressing the issues associated with conventional wet-process SBS-modified asphalt. It also helps to reduce environmental pollution to a certain extent. This study investigates the extraction process of dry-process SBS-modified asphalt binder. It clarifies the performance and modification mechanisms of two types of dry-process SBS-modified asphalt binder at different dosages through various testing methods, including basic indicators, rheological properties, infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The results indicate that due to the incorporation of oil, crosslinker, solubilizer, and other substances into dry-process SBS modifier, there is a small amount of chemical reaction with asphalt in the melting process. The high- and low-temperature properties and fatigue properties of the two dry-process SBS-modified asphalt binders at a 7% dosage are close to wet SBS-modified asphalt binder at a 5% dosage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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15 pages, 4463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Compatibility of SBR and Asphalt Base Based on Molecular Simulation

by Xiaolei Jiao, Dandan Huang, Song Zhao and Jian Ouyang

Materials 2024, 17(5), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051175 - 02 Mar 2024

Viewed by 511

Abstract

In the field of highway construction, the application of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)-modified asphalt has gained popularity across different levels of road surfaces. A crucial aspect in ensuring the efficacy of this modification lies in the compatibility between SBR and the matrix asphalt. To address this, the current study utilizes molecular dynamics simulation as a technique. By establishing a model for the SBR-modified asphalt mixture, the research quantifies the compatibility level between the SBR modifier and the asphalt. The aim is to uncover the underlying mechanisms of compatibility between the SBR modifier and the base asphalt, ultimately contributing to the improvement of the storage stability of SBR-modified asphalt, which holds significant importance. The investigation began with the creation of models for both the base asphalt and the SBR modifier. A model for the SBR-modified asphalt blending system was then formulated based on these initial models. After undergoing geometry optimization and annealing procedures, the model attained its lowest energy state, providing a reliable basis for examining the performance of SBR-modified asphalt. The study proceeded to calculate solubility parameters and interaction energies of the system to evaluate the compatibility between the SBR modifier and the base asphalt at various temperatures. The analysis of these parameters shed light on the compatibility mechanism between the two components. Notably, it was found that at a temperature of 160 ℃, the compatibility was significantly enhanced. The findings were further corroborated through scanning electron microscope and rheological tests. The outcomes of this research offer theoretical guidance for the application of SBR-modified asphalt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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22 pages, 9841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multifunctional Cementitious Composite for Pavement Subgrade

by Mohammad Jawed Roshan, Mohammadmahdi Abedi, António Gomes Correia, Raul Fangueiro and Paulo Mateus Mendes

Materials 2024, 17(3), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030621 - 27 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1103

Abstract

Premature failure and degradation of layers are the main problems for transportation infrastructure. Addressing these issues necessitates implementing structural health monitoring (SHM) for pavement construction layers. To this end, this research investigated the stress/strain and damage detection capabilities of a self-sensing cementitious composite developed for potential utilization in the construction of an intelligent subgrade layer. The prepared self-sensing cementitious composite consisted of 10% cement and hybrid conductive fillers, including multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in sand. Initial findings reveal that the electrical resistivity of the composite is significantly affected by the concentration of MWCNTs/GNPs, with a minimum concentration of more than 0.5% needed to achieve a responsive cementitious composite. Moreover, the piezoresistive analysis indicates that an increase in the concentration of MWCNTs/GNPs and stress levels leads to an improvement in the stress/strain-sensing performance. When the self-sensing cementitious composite is subjected to equivalent stress levels, variations in the fractional changes in resistivity (FCR) exhibit an increasing trend with decreasing resilient modulus, stemming from a decrease in stiffness due to the increased concentration of MWCNTs/GNPs. Additionally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis demonstrates a contraction for the Nyquist plots under compressive ramp loading prior to failure, followed by the expansion of these curves post-failure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images visually showcase the bridging effects of MWCNTs and the filling effects of GNPs within the composite structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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17 pages, 10336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Rutting Performance in Geogrid-Reinforced Asphalt by Penetration Test

by Sheng-Lin Wang, Danrong Wang, Susan Tighe, Sam Bhat and Shunde Yin

Materials 2023, 16(22), 7221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16227221 - 18 Nov 2023

Viewed by 607

Abstract

Permanent deformation, or rutting, is one of several critical distresses in flexible pavements. This paper introduced a novel experimental method, a penetration test, for asphalt mixtures to quantify the effects of glass fibre geogrids embedded in asphalt under repeated loading. It was found that the evolution of permanent deformation (ε_p) and its strain rate have three clearly identifiable stages. It was also observed that the presence of the geogrid increased the flow number and the number of cycles to failure significantly compared to control samples. Some of the current ε_p fitting models were found to be valid for deformation prediction under penetration. In addition, a new simple FN calculation method was also proposed based on strain rate and it showed consistent results. In particular, geogrid type “Grid10”, which has smaller aperture size (12.7 mm) had slightly better reinforcement performance regarding the rutting resistance due to its larger contact area. Overall, the test and data analysis method presented in this study could be an important reference for future investigations on geosynthetic-reinforced pavement materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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15 pages, 5170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Bituminous Binder Modified with Recycled Plastic Pellets

by Haithem Soliman, Paul Osei and Ahmed Shalaby

Materials 2023, 16(20), 6730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16206730 - 17 Oct 2023

Viewed by 748

Abstract

Finding beneficial uses for waste plastics has been an environmental challenge for municipalities. A limited number of studies have investigated the performance of asphalt mixtures containing plastic waste in cold regions that experience freeze-thaw cycling. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of adding two types of recycled plastic pellets on the high- and low-temperature performance of bituminous binders. Nylon-based (NP) and polyester-based (PP) recycled plastic pellets were used in this study. A PG 58-28 bituminous binder was modified by different dosages of NP and PP plastic pellets. The impact of adding Elvaloy copolymer and polyphosphoric acid on the modified binders was also investigated. Results showed that using recycled plastic pellets as a modifier for bituminous binders improved their elastic response and rutting resistance without affecting their low-temperature performance. The PP modifier showed better elastic behavior and rutting resistance than the NP modifier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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20 pages, 13365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing the Effect of Freeze–Thaw Cycling on Pore Structure of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Using X-ray CT Scanning

by Mai Alawneh, Haithem Soliman and Ania Anthony

Materials 2023, 16(18), 6254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186254 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 878

Abstract

Freeze–thaw (F–T) cycling presents a challenge when building durable pavement structures in cold regions. Understanding the changes within the microstructure of asphalt concrete (AC) due to F–T conditions is crucial for developing a resilient pavement design. This study investigates the impact of F–T cycles on five AC mixtures using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning. Image analysis was completed to evaluate the changes in the microstructure of the AC samples before and after exposure to 30, 60, and 90 F–T cycles. The changes/degradation in the microstructure were evaluated based on analyzing the distribution and properties of air voids within the AC samples. The results showed that an X-ray CT scan can successfully capture the impact of F–T cycles on the structure of air voids in different AC mixtures. The findings of this research provide guidelines for understanding the mechanism of F–T damage within AC, which can assist in optimizing the performance of AC in cold regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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14 pages, 2967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Modulus of Hot-Recycled Asphalt Mixture with High RAP

by Zining Chen, Boying Liu, Decheng Feng and Gang Li

Materials 2023, 16(15), 5280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155280 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 644

Abstract

Generally, the dynamic modulus and bending stiffness modulus are used to evaluate the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture, and they are also used as basic parameters for asphalt mixture design. Therefore, a study was conducted on changes in the dynamic modulus and bending stiffness modulus of hot-recycled asphalt mixture with high levels of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) under the influence of different factors: dosage of regenerant, curing temperature, and curing time. The performance of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) was first evaluated. Then, the hot-recycled asphalt mixture was adjusted and designed in order to conduct modulus experiments, composed of the dynamic modulus test and three-point bending test. Finally, the influencing factors were not only qualitatively but also quantitatively analyzed to clarify the change laws of the mechanical parameters of hot-recycled asphalt mixture. The results showed that the modulus of the recycled asphalt mixture first decreased, then increased, and then decreased with increasing dosage of regenerant. As the curing time or temperature increased, the modulus first decreased and then increased. In terms of the dynamic modulus of the hot-recycled asphalt mixture, the curing time had the greatest impact, followed by dosage of the regenerant and curing temperature. For bending stiffness modulus, the influence of dosage of the regenerant was the greatest, followed by curing time and curing temperature. For the bending stiffness modulus of hot-recycled asphalt mixture, the curing conditions had a greater influence compared with the dynamic modulus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)

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