Intelligent Segmentation and Measurement Model for Asphalt Road Cracks Based on Modified Mask R-CNN Algorithm

Nowadays, asphalt road has dominated highways around the world. Among various defects of asphalt road, crackshave been paid more attention, since cracks often cause major engineering and personnel safety incidents. Currentmanual crack inspection methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and most segmentation methods cannot detect cracks at the pixel level. This paper proposes an intelligent segmentation and measurement model basedon the modified Mask R-CNN algorithm to automatically and accurately detect asphalt road cracks. The modelproposed in this paper mainly includes a convolutional neural network (CNN), an optimized region proposalnetwork (RPN), a region of interest (RoI) Align layer, a candidate area classification network and a Mask branch offully convolutional network (FCN). The ratio and size of anchors in the RPN are adjusted to improve the accuracyand efficiency of segmentation. Soft non-maximum suppression (Soft-NMS) algorithm is developed to improvethe segmentation accuracy. A dataset including 8,689 images (512× 512 pixels) of asphalt cracks is established andthe road crack is manually marked. Transfer learning is used to initialize the model parameters in the trainingprocess. To optimize the model training parameters, multiple comparison experiments are performed, and the testresults show that the mean average precision (mAP) value and F1-score of the optimal trained model are 0.952 and0.949. Subsequently, the robustness verification test and comparative test of the trained model are conducted andthe topological features of the crack are extracted. Then, the damage area, length and average width of the crackare measured automatically and accurately at pixel level. More importantly, this paper develops an automatic crackdetection platform for asphalt roads to automatically extract the number, area, length and average width of cracks,which can significantly improve the crack detection efficiency for the road maintenance industry.

Dynamic Mechanical Characterizations and Road Performances of Flame Retardant Asphalt Mortars and Concretes

To research the dynamic mechanical properties and road performances of flame retardant asphalt mortars and mixtures, four different asphalt mortars/mixtures were prepared: a reference group and three asphalt mortars/mixtures containing composite flame retardant materials(M-FRs) of different proportions. Temperature sweep, frequency sweep, repeated creep test, force ductility test and bending beam rheological test were carried out to research the dynamic mechanical properties of asphalt mortars containing M-FRs; wheeltracking test, low-temperature bending test and freeze-thaw split test were used to study the road performances of asphalt mixtures containing M-FRs. The results show that high-temperature performances of the three flame retardant asphalt mortars improve greatly, while low-temperature cracking resistances decline. Both hightemperature performances and water stabilities of asphalt mixtures containing M-FRs are quite good and exceed the specification requirements. However, their low-temperature performances decline in different degrees. In summary, besides their good flame retardancy, the flame retardant asphalt mortars and mixtures also exhibit acceptable road performance.

Bamboo Fiber Modified Asphalt Mixture Proportion Design and Road Performances Based on Response Surface Method

In order to comprehensively utilize the remaining bamboo residue of bamboo products,this paper presents a research on recycling the bamboo fibers from bamboo residue for improving the performance of the asphalt mixtures.First of all,the basic performance parameters of sinocalamus affinis fiber,phyllostachys pubescens fiber,green bamboo fiber were tested and analyzed,and the optimal content and length were put forward.Then,the mix ratio design of the bamboo fiber modified asphalt mixture was further designed through the response surface method,and was verified the rationality of the mix ratio.Finally,the mixture specimens were made according to the experimental design mix ratio,and the high temperature,low temperature performance and moisture susceptibility of the bamboo fiber modified mixtures asphalt were tested.The results showed that the high temperature performance,low temperature performance and moisture susceptibility of bamboo fiber modified asphalt mixtures were improved compared with the performance of SBS modified asphalt mixture.When the length of bamboo fiber is 7.25 mm and the content of 0.22%,the road performance of the asphalt mixture was optimal.Consequentially,the decomposition of bamboo residue into bamboo fiber and its application in asphalt pavement can improve the reuse of bamboo waste,with remarkable environmental benefits and great promotion value.

Structural Design of Asphalt Pavement for Low Cost Rural Roads

On the basis of the equivalent axle load action frequency, the traffic classifications of rural roads as well as their corresponding types are classified. The asphalt pavement structure, road surface types and thickness of the rural roads are suggested for the various action frequency of the equivalent axle load. Furthermore, the roadbase thickness graphs are provided according to different equivalent axle load action frequency with different roadbed modulus and road surface modulus taken into account.

Evaluation of Compatibilizers for Improving Compatibility between Waste Vegetable Oil and Aged Asphalt

Modifying agents 2,2-Bis(4-glycidyloxyphenyl)propane(2BPE)and dibutyl phthalate(DBP)were selected to enhance the compatibility.By using molecular simulation software(Materials Studio,MS),nine systems were constructed,including molecular models of aged asphalt and WVO monomers with 2BPE and/or DBP.The solubility parameters,Flory-Huggins parameters,and interaction energies of these systems were calculated to determine the impact of 2BPE and DBP on the compatibility of WVO and aged asphalt.Results showed that the addition of 2BPE and DBP reduced the difference in the solubility parameters between WVO and aged asphalt,thus improving the compatibility between WVO and aged asphalt.Additionally,using a combination of 2BPE and DBP in both aged asphalt and rejuvenator was found to be more effective than using either 2BPE or DBP alone.Finally,it was determined that evaluating the compatibility of WVO and aged asphalt using Van der Waals potential and non-bonding energy as evaluation indicators was more accurate than using electrostatic potential energy.

A human-sensitive frequency band vibration isolator for heavy-duty truck seats

In this study,a human-sensitive frequency band vibration isolator(HFBVI)with quasi-zero stiffness(QZS)characteristics for heavy-duty truck seats is designed to improve the comfort of heavy-duty truck drivers on uneven roads.First,the analytical expressions for the force and displacement of the HFBVI are derived with the Lagrange equation and d'Alembert's principle,and are validated through the prototype restoring force testing.Second,the harmonic balance method(HBM)is used to obtain the dynamic responses under harmonic excitation,and further the influence of pre-stretching on the dynamic characteristics and transmissibility is discussed.Finally,the experimental prototype of the HFBVI is fabricated,and vibration experiments are conducted under harmonic excitation to verify the vibration isolation performance(VIP)of the proposed vibration isolator.The experimental results indicate that the HFBVI can effectively suppress the frequency band(4-8 Hz)to which the human body is sensitive to vertical vibration.In addition,under real random road spectrum excitation,the HFBVI can achieve low-frequency vibration isolation close to 2 Hz,providing new prospects for ensuring the health of heavy-duty truck drivers.

Application of Modified Asphalt in Municipal Roads

The article expounds modified asphalt technology by introducing commonly used modifiers and fillers and analyzing the construction technology of modified asphalt.The use of modified asphalt in municipal roads provides new alternatives for asphalt pavement materials,but also solves the existing construction problems and reduces project costs.Therefore,the research and application of modified asphalt using new materials and new processes is a crucial aspect in road construction.

Preparation and Analysis of Carbon Fiber-Silicon Carbide Thermally Conductive Asphalt Concrete

An experimental investigation into the thermal conductivity of CF-SiC two-phase composite asphalt concrete is presented.The main objective of this study was to verify the possibility of using SiC powder instead of mineral powder as the thermal conductive filler to prepare a new type of asphalt concrete and improve the efficiency of electrothermal snow and ice melting systems accordingly.The thermal conductivity of asphalt concrete prepared with different thermally conductive fillers was tested by a transient plane source method,and the related performances were measured.Then the temperature rise rate and surface temperature were studied through field heating tests.Finally,the actual ice melting efficiency of the thermally conductive asphalt concrete was evaluated using an effective electrothermal system.As shown by the experimental results,the composite made of SiC powder and carbon fiber has a high thermal conductivity.When SiC replaces mineral powder,the thermal conductivity of the asphalt mixture increases first and then decreases with the increase of carbon fiber content.In the present study,in particular,the thermal conductivity attained a peak when the carbon fiber content was 0.2%of the aggregate mass.

Research Progress of Epoxy Asphalt Material for Roads

Asphalt is a semi-solid or solid mixture formed by hydrocarbons and non-metallic elements.It is widely applied in the fields of building waterproofing and road paving.Asphalt is a low noise,durable,and renewable pavement material.However,asphalt materials have some shortcomings such as liquefying at high temperatures and brittleness at low temperatures,which are less adaptable to different environments.Therefore,people have gradually shifted their focus to asphalt modification.This paper presents an in-depth analysis and research on the composition,structure,and performance of epoxy asphalt materials for roads,so that this material can be widely used.

Technologies for Asphalt Pavement Surface Testing in Road and Bridge Construction

Asphalt pavement is currently one of the main components in the construction of roads and bridges.However,from a practical point of view,various quality problems are prone to occur in the surface layer of asphalt pavement,which will lead to the poor overall quality of road and bridge projects.Therefore,it should be applied reasonably.Advanced testing technologies are used to test the mixture quality,compaction,segregation,thickness,and other aspects of the asphalt pavement surface layer,so as to improve the quality of the asphalt pavement surface layer,and then improve the overall quality of road and bridge construction.Therefore,this paper mainly analyzes the technologies for asphalt pavement surface layer testing in road and bridge engineering construction.

内置应变传感器对沥青混合料力学性能的影响

道路本体结构的智能智慧是道路工程发展的重要方向,内置应变传感器是实现路面结构应变感知的重要手段,为探究内置应变传感器对沥青混合料力学性能影响,运用离散元法,构建了内置应变传感器的沥青混合料细观模型,研究了应变传感器埋设深度和数量对沥青混合料力学性能影响,分析了沥青混合料材料公称最大粒径、级配和沥青砂浆黏结强度等对内置应变传感器工作性能影响.结果表明:随着传感器埋设深度的增加,梁试件底部三个监测点位处水平拉应力分别增加56.9%、43.5%、43.8%,越接近梁试件底部,其内部水平应力场分布更均匀;与单传感器相比,埋设双传感器的梁试件裂隙增加速度更快,在挠度为0.8 mm时裂隙数便达到267个,单传感器仅为93个;沥青混合料公称最大粒径越大,力链数越少,AC-16、AC-20的平均力链比较AC-13分别降低4.9%、11.4%;沥青混合料级配越粗,荷载传递路径越少,接触力系数量减少77.7%,接触力分布均匀性降低,最大接触力增加74.6%,导致传感器工作稳定性越差;沥青砂浆黏结强度增加,最大接触力下降11%,传感器工作稳定性越好.研究结果可为提升内置应变传感器的沥青混合料耐久性和工作稳定性提供参考.

Numerical simulation of dynamic pore pressure in asphalt pavement

For studying the driving role of dynamic pressure in water-induced damage of asphalt pavement, based on the fast Lagrangian finite difference method and Biot dynamic consolidation theory, fluid-solid coupling analysis of the pavement is conducted considering asphalt mixtures as porous media. Results reveal that the development and dissipation of the dynamic pore pressure are coinstantaneous and this makes both the positive and negative dynamic pore pressure and seepage force alternate with time. Repetitive hydrodynamic pumping and sucking during moisture damage is proved. The dynamic pore pressure increases with vehicle velocity. Effective stress and deflection of pavement decrease due to the dynamic pore water pressure. However, the emulsification and replacement of the asphalt membrane by water are accelerated. The maximum dynamic pore pressure occurs at the bottom of the surface course. So it is suggested that a drain course should be set up to change the draining condition from single-sided drain to a two-sided drain, and thus moisture damage can be effectively limited.

DEPTH PREDICTION OF RAIN WATER ON ROAD SURFACE BASED ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

A model based on the non-linear artificial neural network （ANN） is established to predict the thickness of the water film on road surfaces. The weight and the threshold can be determined by training test data, and the water film thickness on the road surface can be accurately predicted by the empirical verification based on sample data. Results show that the proposed ANN model is feasible to predict the water film thickness of the road surface.

Evaluation and Selection of Sealants and Fillers Using Principal Component Analysis for Cracks in Asphalt Concrete Pavements

The objective of this paper was to develop a comprehensive evaluation method and index to evaluate the performance of sealants and fillers for cracks in asphalt concrete pavements using the method of principal component analysis. The performance experiments including cone penetration, softening point, flow, resilience and tension at low temperature respectively were conducted by reference of ASTM D5329 for eight sealants and fillers often used in China. There by a principal component model was developed and weight of every index was calculated. The experimental results show that there are significantly different performances for sealants and fillers often used in China. Principal component analysis is an objective method that evaluates and selects the performance of sealants and fillers for cracks in asphalt concrete pavements.

The Influence of Material Related Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Foamed Asphalt Mix

By indirect tensile strength （ITS） test and unconfined compressive strength （UCS） test, the influence of various material related parameters, including asphalt foamability, aggregate temperature, mixing moisture content （MMC） and foamed asphalt （FA） content, on the mechanical properties of FA mixes was studied. The results indicated that both asphalt foamability and aggregate temperature greatly affected ITS of FA mixes. Too low aggregate temperature was unfavorable for mechanical properties of FA mixes. Foamed index alone was unfit for the evaluation of asphalt foamability. Compared with half-life, expansion ratio had more prominent influence on ITS of FA mixes. MMC had significant impact on the mechanical properties of FA mixes and should be optimized by trial and test in FA mix design. The mechanical properties of FA mix were sensitive to the change of FA content. Compared with the ITS determined with standard Marshall specimens, both the ITS and UCS determined with static compressed specimens by 15 cm diameter were more effective in terms of choosing the optimal asphalt content for FA mixes.

Normalization method for asphalt mixture fatigue equation under different loading frequencies

In order to analyze the effect of different loading frequencies on the fatigue performance for asphalt mixture,the changing law of asphalt mixture strengths with loading speed was revealed by strength tests under different loading speeds.Fatigue equations of asphalt mixtures based on the nominal stress ratio and real stress ratio were established using fatigue tests under different loading frequencies.It was revealed that the strength of the asphalt mixture is affected by the loading speed greatly.It was also discovered that the fatigue equation based on the nominal stress ratio will change with the change of the fatigue loading speed.There is no uniqueness.But the fatigue equation based on the real stress ratio doesn't change with the loading frequency.It has the uniqueness.The results indicate the fatigue equation based on the real stress ratio can realize the normalization of the asphalt mixture fatigue equation under different loading frequencies.It can greatly benefit the analysis of the fatigue characteristics under different vehicle speeds for asphalt pavement.

Materials,preparation,performances and mechanism of polyurethane modified asphalt and its mixture:A systematic review

With the rapid development of asphalt pavement technology,it has attracted considerable attention to improving the durability of asphalt pavement.An effective action is to use modified asphalt with high performance and durability.Polyurethane(PU)has been used in asphalt pavement engineering to enhance the durability and service life of asphalt pavement because of its excellent high-temperature performance,toughness,wear resistance,aging resistance and oil resistance.However,PU modified asphalt technology is still in the exploratory stage.The preparation,modification mechanism and working performances of PU modified asphalt need to be further clarified.Therefore,this paper summarized the research progress of PU modified asphalt and its mixture.The composition of PU modified asphalt was introduced.The addition methods of PU materials and preparation process parameters of the PU modified asphalt were determined.The modification mechanism of PU on asphalt was discussed.The effects of polyurethane on asphalt were analyzed and the road performances of its mixture were evaluated.Finally,the development tendency towards PU modified asphalt and its mixture were forecasted.

Recent developments in asphalt-aggregate separation technology for reclaimed asphalt pavement

Reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)has significant recycling value because it contains nonrenewable resources including asphalt and aggregate.However,thus far,only a small part of RAP materials can be used in the con-struction of recycled asphalt pavement,and the usage is regarded as a low-value utilization in the underlying layers.One of the most important reasons for this shortcoming is the problem of false particle size and pseudo gradation of RAP materials.Therefore,identifying suitable asphalt-aggregate separation technology is essential for improving the utilization of RAP materials in recycled asphalt mixture and enhancing the construction quality of recycled asphalt pavement.To address this,the paper performed a systematic review of asphalt-aggregate separation technologies for processing RAP materials and their prospects.Firstly,based on the composition of the asphalt mixture and the characteristics of RAP materials after aging,the key RAP separation technologies were proposed.Then,the concept,principle,and implementation methods of physical,chemical,and biological sep-aration methods of RAP materials were comprehensively analyzed.Moreover,the advantages and disadvantages of various separation technologies were discussed by comparing them with the related technologies in the petrochemical industry.The application prospects of various asphalt-aggregate separation methods for RAP materials can provide a reference for upgrading and expanding solid waste recycling technology for asphalt pavement.

Review of ultraviolet ageing mechanisms and anti-ageing methods for asphalt binders

Asphalt binder is inevitably aged by ultraviolet(UV)light during its service period.UV ageing can significantly decrease the technical properties of asphalt binder.The sensitivity of asphalt to UV ageing and thermal-oxidative ageing differs,such that the UV ageing performance cannot be determined based on the thermal-oxidative ageing performance.Previous researches mainly focused on the chemical composite and technical performance changes of asphalt binder during UV ageing,and the UV light parameters effect on the ageing rate of asphalt binder.However,the theory for characterizing and explaining the development of UV ageing depth does not get too much attentions,and the UV ageing mechanism of asphalt binder is not very clear.Therefore,it cannot guide to develop or select the good methods or anti-UV ageing additives for asphalt binders.This paper focuses on the latest researches of the mechanisms and anti-ageing methods of asphalt binders.With the increase of UV ageing time,the UV ageing of asphalt binder develops gradually from the surface to inner part.There are various methods,such as low-penetration grade asphalt,less air void ratio,UV stabilizers and UV light absorbers,that can improve the UV ageing resistance of asphalt binders.A new theory of sensitive wavelengths of asphalt UV ageing is proposed,which can enrich the basic theory of asphalt UV ageing.Depending on this theory,different wavelengths of UV light have different ageing effects on asphalt binder.The composite anti-UV ageing additives with barrier and specific absorption effects on UV light is proposed,and may have better improvement effect on the anti-UV ageing performance of asphalt binder.

Optimization of technical measures for improving high-temperature performance of asphalt-rubber mixture

Asphalt-rubber pavements often become dam-aged in high-temperature regions and appear rutted or wavy, and experience slippage. To improve the high-temperature performance of the asphalt-rubber mixture, technical measurements, such as, the optimal adjustment of gradation, technique of composite modification, and control of compaction were investigated. An optimal adjustment of aggregate gradation based on stone matrix asphalt improves the high-temperature stability of the asphaltrubber mixture significantly. Through composite modifi- cation, the effect of asphalt-rubber modification was enhanced, and the dynamic stability and relative defor- mation indices of the asphalt-rubber mixture were improved significantly. Furthermore, compaction parame- ters had a significant influence on the high-temperature stability of the asphalt-rubber mixture. The rolling times for compacting the asphalt-rubber mixture should be controlled to within 18-20 round-trips at a molding temperature at 180℃; if the rolling time is a 12 round-trip, the compaction temperature of the asphalt-rubber mixture should be controlled between 180 and 190℃.