Multiscale Study on Low Temperature Crack Resistance Mechanism of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixture

The objective of this paper was to study low temperature crack resistance mechanism of steel slag asphalt mixture(SAM).Thermal stress restrained specimen test(TSRST)and three-point bending test were carried out to evaluate the low-temperature crack resistance of SAM and basalt asphalt mixture(BAM).Based on the digital image correlation technique(DIC),the strain field distribution and crack propagation of SAM were analyzed from the microscopic point of view,and a new index,crack length factor(C),was proposed to evaluate the crack resistance of the asphalt mixture.The crystal phase composition and microstructure of steel slag aggregate(SA)and basalt aggregate(BA)were studied by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)to explore the low-temperature crack resistance mechanism of SAM.Results show that the low-temperature crack resistance of SAM is better than that of BAM;SAM has good integrity and persistent elastic deformation,and its bending failure mode is a hysteretic quasi-brittle failure;The SA surface is evenly distributed with pores and has surface roughness.SA has the composition phase of alkaline aggregate-calcite(CaCO3),so it has good adhesion to asphalt,which reveals the mechanism of excellent low-temperature crack resistance of SAM.

Predictive modelling of volumetric and Marshall properties of asphalt mixtures modified with waste tire-derived char:A statistical neural network approach

The goals of this study are to assess the viability of waste tire-derived char(WTDC)as a sustainable,low-cost fine aggregate surrogate material for asphalt mixtures and to develop the statistically coupled neural network(SCNN)model for predicting volumetric and Marshall properties of asphalt mixtures modified with WTDC.The study is based on experimental data acquired from laboratory volumetric and Marshall properties testing on WTDCmodified asphalt mixtures(WTDC-MAM).The input variables comprised waste tire char content and asphalt binder content.The output variables comprised mixture unit weight,total voids,voids filled with asphalt,Marshall stability,and flow.Statistical coupled neural networks were utilized to predict the volumetric and Marshall properties of asphalt mixtures.For predictive modeling,the SCNN model is employed,incorporating a three-layer neural network and preprocessing techniques to enhance accuracy and reliability.The optimal network architecture,using the collected dataset,was a 2:6:5 structure,and the neural network was trained with 60%of the data,whereas the other 20%was used for cross-validation and testing respectively.The network employed a hyperbolic tangent(tanh)activation function and a feed-forward backpropagation.According to the results,the network model could accurately predict the volumetric and Marshall properties.The predicted accuracy of SCNN was found to be as high value>98%and low prediction errors for both volumetric and Marshall properties.This study demonstrates WTDC's potential as a low-cost,sustainable aggregate replacement.The SCNN-based predictive model proves its efficiency and versatility and promotes sustainable practices.

Long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures containing high RAP and RAS

The application of reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)and reclaimed asphalt shingles(RAS)on asphalt pavement can reduce the asphalt paving cost,conserve energy and protect the environment.However,the use of high contents of RAP and RAS in asphalt pavement may lead to durability issues,especially the fatigue cracking and thermal cracking.It is necessary to conduct a series of analyses on asphalt mixtures containing high RAP and RAS,and seek methods to enhance their long-term performance.This paper provides a comprehensive over-view of the long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures containing high contents of RAP and RAS.The findings in this research show that rutting resistance of high recycled asphalt mixtures is not a concern,whereas their resistance to fatigue and thermal cracking is not conclusive.Recycling agents can be used to improve the thermal cracking resistance of high recycled asphalt mixtures.An optimum decision on recycling agents will improve the durability properties of high recycled asphalt mixtures.It is recommended that to use a balanced mixture design approach with testing of the blended asphalt binders will provide better understanding of long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures containing high RAP and RAS.

Normalized fatigue properties of asphalt mixture at various temperatures

This study normalized the mixture's fatigue behavior at various temperatures,and the strength and fatigue tests of the mixture were conducted.The stress state of the asphalt mixture includes direct tensile,uniaxial compression,and indirect tensile.The Desai yield surface and fatigue path were proposed.And a normalized fatigue characteristics model of the mixture was established.The following conclusions were obtained.With the increases in the loading rate,the strength of the asphalt mixture increased.As the temperature increases,the strength of the mixture is reduced.At various temperatures and rates,the strength forms a closed curved surface.The Desai strength yield surface was established,which forms a closed curved surface.When the loading rate and temperature are below a certain critical line,the asphalt mixture will not undergo strength damage.At a fixed stress state,the fatigue damage path of the mixture was determined.The stress ratio was determined considering the influence of the loading rate.In this way,a normalized model can be described to express the asphalt mixture fatigue properties at various temperatures and stress levels.For the asphalt mixture in an indirect tensile state,the normalized fatigue equation parameter is 4.09.This model is more suitable for reflecting the viscous-elastic behavior of the mixtures than the fatigue equation determined by the notional stress ratio.

A review on evaluation of crack resistance of asphalt mixture by semi-circular bending test

Although there are many kinds of fracture tests to choose from in evaluating the crack resistance of asphalt mixture,the semi-circular bending(SCB)test has attracted a lot of attention in the academic road engineering community because of its simplicity,stability,and flexibility in testing and evaluation.The SCB test has become a common method to study the cracking resistance of asphalt mixture in recent years.This paper mainly summarizes the overview of the SCB test,summarizes some research results and common characterization parameters of the SCB test method in monotone test and fatigue test in recent years,and predicts and suggests the research direction of the SCB test in the future.It is found that the research on the monotonic SCB test is more comprehensive,and the research on the SCB fatigue test needs to be further improved in the aspects of loading mode,characterization parameter selection,and so on.Researchers can flexibly adjust the geometric dimensions and the test parameters of semi-cylindrical specimens,and conduct comprehensive analysis combined with the results of numerical simulation.The crack resistance of asphalt mixture can be comprehensively evaluated by fracture energy,fracture toughness,stiffness,flexibility index and other fracture indicators,combined with the crack propagation of the specimen.The analysis of numerical simulation can confirm the test results.In order to standardize the setting of fatigue parameters for future application,it is necessary to standardize the setting of bending 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.

Influence of Hydrodynamic Pore Pressure Damage on the Performance of Hot-Mixed Renewable Asphalt Mixture

For evaluating the water stability of hot-mixed renewable asphalt mixture(HRM),the traditional methods are all tested under still water conditions.Except for damage in still water conditions,the hydrodynamic pore pressure generated by the tire driving on the surface water has a great impact.Thus,the RAP contents of the HRMs were designed at 0%,30%,45%and 60%with AC-25 gradation.Then,the self-designed evaluation methods of water stability and dynamic modulus were studied.Finally,the mechanism of the influence of hydrodynamic pore pressure damage on HRMs was studied.The results show that the water stability of HRM containing 30%RAP is equivalent to that of 45%RAP,and the water stability of HRM containing 60%RAP decreases significantly.The Contabro test after MIST treatment can be used as an evaluation method for hydrodynamic pore pressure damage on HRM.Low-speed,heavy-load traffic and larger RAP content have greater damage to the mixture after hydrodynamic pore pressure damage.The performance differences between the aged bitumen and pure bitumen,as well as the aged minerals and new minerals,are continuing to be enlarged in hydrodynamic pore pressure conditions,finally affecting the water stability and dynamic modulus of the HRMs.

Analytical Study on the Effect of Electric Arc Furnace Dust(EAFD)on the Rutting of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

As a byproduct of the steelmaking process,significant amounts of hazardous electric arc furnace dust(EAFD)are produced.Utilizing the solidification/stabilization technology with asphalt mix is one way to safeguard the environment from its negative effects.Rutting was used as an indicator to assess the asphalt mixture with EAFD since it is an important factor in pavement design.This study’s major goal is to ascertain how EAFD affects the rutting of asphalt-concrete mixtures.To evaluate the ideal asphalt content,the Marshall test method was applied to asphalt-concrete mixtures.EAFD was added to the asphalt cement in four different volume percentages as a binder addition.Then,using the Universal Testing Machine,participants were exposed to a replica of the rutting test(UTM).Experiments were conducted at 25℃,40℃ and 55℃,and at frequencies of 1 Hz,4 Hz and 8 Hz.Rutting was measured for each specimen.Test results showed that rut depth has a negative correlation with EAFD%and a positive correlation with temperature.The use of EAFD has dual advantages,protecting the environment from the adverse impact of EAFD and reducing the cost of asphalt mix without jeopardizing pavement performance.

Laboratory evaluation of epoxy resin modified asphalt mixtures

The pavement performance of epoxy resin modified asphalt mixtures was investigated by the Marshall test, the indirect tensile test, the rutting test, the three-pointed bending test and the composite beam fatigue test. In comparison with the performance of epoxy resin modified asphalt mixtures, the performance of stone matrix asphalt mixtures （SMA10） was also investigated. The rutting test and composite beam fatigue test results show that the epoxy resin modified asphalt mixtures can improve permanent deformation and fatigue characteristics. They also show lower temperature susceptibility and greater resistance to moisture damage compared to the SMA10. Findings from the research indicate that the epoxy resin modified asphalt mixture provides an optional material for the pavement of long-span steel bridges in China due to profound performance and economic advantages.

Experimental study of pavement performance of basalt fiber-modified asphalt mixture

To discuss the pavement performance of basalt fiber-modified asphalt mixtures,the optimum dosages of asphalt and fibers are studied by the Marshall test and the rutting test.The results demonstrate that the optimum dosages of asphalt and fibers are 4.63% and 0.3%,respectively.Then the pavement performances of basalt（polyester,xylogen）fiber-modified asphalt mixtures are investigated through high temperature stability tests,water stability tests and low temperature crack resistance tests.It indicates that the pavement performances of the fiber-modified asphalt mixtures such as rutting dynamic stability,freezing splitting tensile strength,low temperature crack resistance and so on are improved compared with control asphalt mixture.The results show that the pavement performances of asphalt mixtures can be improved by fiber-modifiers.Besides,the improvement effects of basalt fiber are superior to polyester fiber and xylogen fiber.

Virtual rutting test of asphalt mixture using discrete element method

In order to investigate the permanent deformation behavior of asphalt mixtures from discontinuity, the virtual rutting test of asphalt mixtures is developed by the discrete element method （DEM）. A digital specimen generation procedure considering aggregate gradation and irregular shape is developed based on the probability theory and the Monte Carlo method. The virtual rutting test is then conducted based on the generated digital specimen. In addition, on the basis of the time-temperature superposition （TTS） principle, a calculation method is used to reduce the computation time of the virtual rutting test. The simulation results are compared with the laboratory measurements. The results show that the calculation method based on the TFS principle in the discrete element （DE） viscoelastic model can significantly reduce the computation time. The deformation law of asphalt mixtures in the virtual rutting test is similar to the laboratory measurements, and the deformation and the dynamic stability of the virtual rutting test are slightly greater than the laboratory measurements. The two-dimensional virtual rutting test can predict the permanent deformation performance of asphalt mixtures.

Study on viscoelastic performance of asphalt mixture based on CAM model

In order to study the viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt mixtures in the whole-frequency range, a dynamic shearing rheometer is used to carry out dynamic frequency sweeps for asphalt mixtures, which obtains the three-dimensional relationships among G^＊, temperature and frequency. Then the time-temperature shift principle is used to translate the relationships from three dimensions to two dimensions, so master curves are obtained regarding dynamic modules changing along with the frequency over 15 amount levels. The Christensen- Anderson-Marasteanu （CAM） model, a kind of the rheological model, is used to analyze and compare rheological performances of several asphalt mixtures based on the obtained master curves. The results indicate that the dynamic theological test is an effective method for obtaining the master curve. Besides, the CAM model can describe well the viscoelastic deformation characteristics of asphalt mixtures.

Indirect tension test of epoxy asphalt mixtureusing microstructural finite-element model

A finite-element model of the thermosetting epoxy asphalt mixture（EAM） microstructure is developed to simulate the indirect tension test（IDT）.Image techniques are used to capture the EAM microstructure which is divided into two phases：aggregates and mastic.A viscoelastic constitutive relationship,which is obtained from the results of a creep test,is used to represent the mastic phase at intermittent temperatures.Model simulation results of the stiffness modulus in IDT compare favorably with experimental data.Different loading directions and velocities are employed in order to account for their influence on the modulus and the localized stress of the microstructure model.It is pointed out that the modulus is not consistent when the loading direction changes since the heterogeneous distribution of the mixture internal structure,and the loading velocity affects the localized stress as a result of the viscoelasticity of the mastic.The study results can provide a theoretical basis for the finite-element method,which can be extended to the numerical simulations of asphalt mixture micromechanical behavior.

Virtual fracture test of asphalt mixture based on discrete element method

In order to study fracture behaviors of asphalt mixtures, virtual tests of the two-dimensional（2D） microstructure based on the discrete element method（ DEM） are designed. The virtual structure of the 2D digital specimen of asphalt mixture is generated based on a particle generation program, in which the gradation and the irregular shapes of aggregates are considered. With the 2D digital specimens, a DEM-based mixture model is established and center-point beam fracture simulation tests are conducted by the DEM. Meanwhile, a series of calibration tests are carried out in laboratory to evaluate the DEM model and validate the methods of virtual fracture tests. The test results indicate that the fracture intensity of asphalt mixtures predicted by the DEM matches very well with the intensity obtained in laboratory. It is concluded that the microstructural virtual tests can be used as a supplemental tool to evaluate fracture properties of asphalt mixtures.

Relationship between repeated triaxial test and Hamburg wheel tracking test on asphalt mixtures

Both the repeated triaxial test （RTT） and the Hamburg wheel tracking test （HWTT） are adopted to evaluate the high temperature performance of the stone mastic asphalt （SMA） and the mastic asphalt （MA）. The correlation of the permanent deformations of the MA and the correlation of the deformation developments of the SMA between the two tests are analyzed, respectively. Results show that both the two tests can effectively identify the high temperature performance of mixtures, and the correlation between the final results of the two tests as well as that between the deformation developments of the two tests are excellent with R20.9. In order to further prove the correlation, viscoelastic parameters estimated from the RTT results is used to simulate the rutting development in the HWTT slabs by the finite element method （FEM）. Results indicate that the correlation between the two tests is significant with errors less than 10%. It is suitable to predict the rutting development with the viscoelastic parameters obtained from the RTT.

Evaluation of fracture properties of epoxy asphalt mixtures by SCB test

The fracture properties of epoxy asphalt mixtures （EAM） are evaluated based on J-integral and ultimate strength. Totally 60 semi-circular bending （SCB）specimens cored from superpave gyratory compactor （SGC）with three groups of notch depths are tested at the temperature of - 10 and 20 ℃. The experimental results reveal good repeatability in EAM characterization. The tensile strength ratio of SCB to the indirect tensile test （IDT） is at a range of 1.4 to 1.7, and the ultimate strength of EAM is exponentially dependent on the notch depths. At the test temperatures, the critical J-integral value of EAM is much higher than that of hot mix asphalt（ HMA） with thermoplastic asphalt binder. The response mode of EAM changes from ductile mode to brittle mode and the fracture energy increases 30% when temperature decreases from 20 to - 10℃, while its critical J-integral value decreases only 15%. It is concluded that EAM has better fracture resistance than thermo-plastic HMA; more fracture energy is needed to initiate cracks in EAM at low temperature, and the cracks propagate more rapidly than at room temperature.

Development of overlay tester for fracture test of asphalt mixture

To determine the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture a novel fracture test with modified loading modes loading fixtures and the control system of the conventional overlay tester is implemented by the asphalt material performance tester AMPT .In order to evaluate the validity of the proposed fracture test four different loading rates including 1 2 3 and 4 mm/min are examined in the AMPT. The results indicate that the fracture behavior is similar to creep at a low loading rate and does not show significant marginal tail extension at a high loading rate.It clearly shows the phase of crack initiation crack propagation and fracture at a loading rate of 3 mm/min. Besides eight fracture parameters such as fracture energy tensile strength and tensile modulus are applied to evaluate the fracture characteristics of asphalt mixture.Development of the overlay tester for the fracture test of asphalt mixture can be considered as a new fracture test of asphalt mixture.

Evaluation of modification effect of epoxy resin based on performance of asphalt mixtures

Based on the analysis of the main failures discovered in pavement on steel deck plate and the demanding service condition of the pavement on steel deck, high-temperature rutting test, low-temperature bending test and controlled stress flexural fatigue test are used to study the performance of asphalt mixtures modified by epoxy resin including high-temperature stability, low-temperature cracking-resistance, and fatigue cracking-resistance, which are served to evaluate the modification effect of epoxy resin of different contents. With the addition of epoxy resin, all the three performances are improved greatly. However, when the amount of epoxy resin added is over a certain value, the modification effect will be stable with no extra benefit detected. Finally, in terms of the properties of the three respects, 20%, 30%, 30% are given separately as the proposal adding contents.

Effects of polyphosphoric acid modified asphalt on the low-temperature cracking of asphalt mixtures

In order to determine whether polyphosphoric acid （PPA） can partially or completely substitute styrene-butadiene- styrene （SBS） modifier while it does not adversely affect the resistance to thermal cracking of the asphalt mixture, the low- temperature fracture properties of the PPA modified mixtures are evaluated and compared to the SBS modified mixtures. First, laboratory compacted test samples were tested by the indirect tensile test （IDT） and the newly developed fracture testing protocol, named as disk-shaped compact tension （DCT）. Then, the effects of the test temperature and air-void ratio on the low-temperature fracture properties of asphalt mixtures were analyzed. The results show that the fracture resistance of the PPA modified mixtures is worse than that of the SBS modified mixtures. However, for those modified mixtures that use the PPA substituting part of the SBS modifier, a relatively low-temperature fracture resistance can be obtained compared with the mixture only using the SBS modifier.

Experimental study on dynamic modulus of thermosetting epoxy asphalt mixture for steel deck pavement

In order to study the dynamic performance of the thermosetting epoxy asphalt mixture（EAM）, an experimental program on the dynamic modulus E is conducted. First, E of the EAM under different temperatures and frequencies are tested through the simple performance test（SPT）, and the effects of temperatures and frequencies on the dynamic modulus of the EAM are analyzed. Secondly, the static modulus of the EAM and the dynamic modulus of other two ordinary mixtures are tested and compared to E of the EAM. Finally the dynamic modulus master curve is constructed using the time-temperature superposition principle. The results show that the E values increase with the increase in the test frequency while on the other hand, the E values decrease with the increase in the test temperature. It also can be seen from the results that the dynamic modulus corresponding to the actual vehicle mode is significantly greater than the static modulus, and the dynamic modulus of the EAM is greater than that of SBS mixtures and the common hot mixed asphalt （HMA）. The study results can provide a theoretical basis for the design and mechanical analysis of the steel deck pavement.