Long-Term Performance and Microstructural Characterization of Dam Concrete in the Three Gorges Project

This study investigates the long-term performance of laboratory dam concrete in different curing environments over ten years and the microstructure of 17-year-old laboratory concrete and actual concrete cores drilled from the Three Gorges Dam.The mechanical properties of the laboratory dam concrete,whether cured in natural or standard environments,continued to improve over time.Furthermore,the laboratory dam concrete exhibited good resistance to diffusion and a refined microstructure after 17 years.However,curing and long-term exposure to the local natural environment reduced the frost resistance.Microstructural analyses of the laboratory concrete samples demonstrated that moderate-heat cement and fine fly ash(FA)particles were almost fully hydrated to form compact micro structures consisting of large quantities of homogeneous calcium(alumino)silicate hydrate(C-(A)-S-H)gels and a few crystals.No obvious interfacial transition zones were observed in the microstructure owing to the longterm pozzolanic reaction.This dense and homogenous microstructure was the crucial reason for the excellent long-term performance of the dam concrete.A high FA volume also played a significant role in the microstructural densification and performance growth of dam concrete at a later age.The concrete drilled from the dam surface exhibited a loose microstructure with higher microporosity,indicating that concrete directly exposed to the actual service environment suffered degradation caused by water and wind attacks.In this study,both macro-performance and microstructural analyses revealed that the application of moderate-heat cement and FA resulted in a dense and homogenous microstructure,which ensured the excellent long-term performance of concrete from the Three Gorges Dam after 17 years.Long-term exposure to an actual service environment may lead to microstructural degradation of the concrete surface.Therefore,the retained long-term dam concrete samples need to be further researched to better understand its microstructural evolution and development of its properties.

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.

Technical development and long-term performance observations of long-life asphalt pavement: A case study of Shandong Province

Based on the investigation of long-life asphalt pavement at home and abroad,the development of long-life asphalt pavement technology in Shandong Province,China is reviewed in this paper.The structural combination char-acteristics of typical long-life asphalt pavement in Shandong Province and their popularization and application are introduced.The application effect of combined base long-life asphalt pavement,which has been widely promoted,is evaluated.At the same time,taking the Binda perpetual pavement test road in Shandong Province as an example,the dynamic response and long-term performance evolution of long-life asphalt pavement are analyzed over a period of more than 17 years.Sections S1,S2,and S3 present information about full-depth asphalt pavement.Section S4 describes combined base asphalt pavement.The results show that the maximum strain of S1–S4 is within the endurance strain limit.S1,S2,S3 and S4 are all expected to be long-life asphalt pavements.In the current study,Sections S1–S4 were maintained in good condition during a service period of more than 17 years with no structural cracks and good deflection,rutting,and IRI indexes.The deflection index was stable without growth,and the IRI was also relatively stable following the opening to traffic.The rutting depth un-derwent a slight cumulative increase within 8 years of opening,and then stabilized.The average rutting depth over the 17-year period was less than 15 mm.Therefore,S1–S4 meet the design standards required for use as long-life pavements.From the perspectives of resource saving,energy saving,and emission reduction and service performance,full-depth asphalt pavement can be considered to represent a new generation of green and durable pavement structures with great future promotion potential.

Curling of New Concrete Pavement and Long-Term Performance

Curling results from the temperature differential across the concrete slab thickness and may induce undue stresses in newly placed slab. This study deals with the finite element （FE） analysis of curling, curling stresses, field measurement of curling on a newly built jointed plain concrete pavement, and comparison of its long-term performance using both Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide （MEPDG） and HIPERPAVII software. The FE analysis was performed with a software program, ANSYS. The test section was modeled as a three-layer system with 300 mm concrete slab, 100 mm treated drainable base, and 150 mm lime-treated subgrade. All layers were assumed to be linear elastic. Temperature data was collected at five different depth locations across the concrete slab with digital data loggers. Curling was measured on five different days with a simple setup. The effect of temperature nonlinearities across the slab thickness was also examined. The results show that both upward and downward curling increase as the temperature differential increases. The maximum stress resulting from the combined effect of curling and traffic loading due to positive temperature differential is higher than that due to the negative temperature differential of the same magnitude. Since temperature differential has a significant influence on curling, both curling and curling stresses can be mitigated at an early age with temperature control, namely via enhanced curing. Both MEPDG and HIPERPAVII showed approximately the same performance for the PCC thickness ranging from 215 mm to 300 mm for this project. Performance prediction from HIPERPAVII is very sensitive to the change in PCC thickness less than 230 mm whereas MEPDG prediction is not as sensitive to the thickness change as with HIPERPAV 1I.

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.

Characterizing uncertainty in pavement performance prediction

Taking variability and uncertainty involved in performance prediction into account, in order to make the prediction reliable and meaningful, a distribution-based method is developed to predict future PSI. This method, which is based on the AASHTO pavement performance model, treats predictor variables as random variables with certain probability distributions and obtains the distribution of future PSI through the method of Monte-Carlo simulation. A computer program PERFORM using Monte Carlo simulation is developed to implement the numerical computation. Simulation results based on pavement and traffic parameters show that traffic, surface layer material property, and initial pavement performance are the most significant factors affecting pavement performance. Once the distribution of future PSI is determined, statistics such as the mean and the variance of future PSI are readily available.

Evaluation of Mixture Performance Recycled Asphalt Pavement Materials as Base Layer with or without Rejuvenator into the Asphalt

The binder properties were determined in accordance with Chinese standard such as ductility test, which allowed to measure the distance in centimeters that a standard briquette of asphalt had been stretched before breaking. Then, penetration test was carried out in order to know some properties of the asphalt, which are the hardness and the softness. Finally, softening point test was carried out in order to determine the temperature at which the bitumen attains a particular degree of softening under the specification of the test. According to Chinese standard for performance tests, firstly, Marshall test was carried out in order to measure the theoretical density, air voids, voids filled with asphalt, stability, flow, and voids in mineral aggregate of asphalt specimens. Secondly, Freeze-thaw splitting test was carried out in order to determine Splitting strength ratio. Finally, dynamic stability (rutting) test was carried out to determine average dynamic stability. Beside the tests carried out, the gradation of the extracted aggregate in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials was carried out to determine the dimensions of the particles weight distribution. Furthermore, both the percentage of recycled asphalt pavement materials and binder in mixture were determined to know how much of the new material during the mixture was needed. However, two specimens were used to evaluate the performance of recycled asphalt pavement materials. One specimen of recycled asphalt pavement materials was ten years old, and another one of recycled asphalt pavement materials was five years old. The results show that the conditions of the environment such as moisture, temperature, and age, decrease the ductility and penetration properties of binder when increase the softening point property of binder. Then the gradation of recycled asphalt pavement aggregate is of the required values to reuse in the mixture, while the flow ratio, the splitting strength ratio, and the dynamic stability ratio, are less than the required value test. With regard to the properties of mixture of recycled asphalt pavement material binder with rejuvenator, the results show that when the penetration and ductility versus percentage of rejuvenator increase, softening point versus percentage of rejuvenator decreases. Also, when the bitumen and rejuvenator percentage increase, the air voids decrease. Consequently, voids filled with asphalt and voids in the mineral aggregate increase. Moreover, the theoretical density and stability values decrease in a mixture containing four-point fifty percent to six percent of bitumen and rejuvenator, whereas the flow values increase. More interestingly, with four percent to four-point fifty percent mixture ratio of bitumen and rejuvenator, density, stability, and flow values increase. The splitting strength ratio values of mixtures and the dynamic stability test (rutting test) values of mixtures with forty percent of specimen one and specimen two respectively are greater than the required value of the standard test. In addition, the high percentage of rejuvenator increases the rut of pavement, in the same manner, the low percentage of rejuvenator induces low rut. In conclusion, the binder content from recycled materials without rejuvenator seems not be sufficient to be reused on the new pavement while the aged recycled material seems to be performed better than no aged recycled material with rejuvenator into bitumen. Then, the rejuvenator can influence the bitumen properties and performance of the pavement. Finally, the pavement made by only recycled pavement materials as a base layer appears to be more economical but cannot be more effective than the pavement made by mixture of new and recycled pavement materials as a base layer.

A case study of performance-based pavement maintenance and rehabilitation needs assessment in Pennsylvania

This paper presents the theory,method,and application of performance-based pavement needs assessment at a state level,using the Pennsylvania Interstate System as an example.First,a general framework is presented for the pavement asset management and a general optimization model is established for the pavement maintenance and rehabilitation needs assessment.Also,the bundling of pavement segments for the project implementation is discussed.Using the examples of Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan and Long Range Transportation Plan for Pennsylvania Interstate System,the application of performance-based pavement needs assessment is demonstrated.It is shown that unconstrained analysis can help decision-makers investigate the real maintenance and rehabilitation needs;financially-constrained analysis can help decision-makers select projects for implementation and examine the corresponding future pavement conditions.Trade-off analysis can help decision-makers investigate the outcomes of different investment levels on pavement maintenance and rehabilitation and make the final decision on the investment level.The proposed case study provides a good example of performance-based pavement needs assessment for developing countries.

Energy and long-term hygrothermal performance of building enclosures based on dynamic environmental simulation test

Dynamic environmental testing is an effective means to study the energy and long-term hygrothermal performance of building enclosures. Southeast University is designing and building a large-scale dynamic environment simulation testing facility. It can simuhaneously and dynamically simulate temperature, relative humidity, infrared solar radiation, UV radiation, and precipitation. A transformation is needed to predict the energy and long-term hygrothermal performance of building enclosures under real service conditions using data obtained from accelerated tests.

The Influential Factors of Semi-Flexible Pavement Cracking Performance

The cracking performance of semi-flexible pavement(SFP) was investigated by using the semi-circular bending(SCB) test in this paper. Thirteen grouting slurries were prepared. The compressive strength of these materials ranges from 3 to 100 MPa. The relationship between the compressive strength of the grouting slurry and the cracking property of SFP was obtained at different loading rates and different temperatures. The peak load, fracture energy(E), flexible index(FI), and cracking resistance index(CRI) were calculated to determine the material performance. The results show that the compressive strength of the grout influences the cracking behavior. With a higher comprehensive strength grouting slurry, the FI value of SFP decreased initially and then increased slightly at 25 ℃ in 50 mm/min. The CRI value decreased at the same time. E values changed just according to the test temperature and loading rate. The damage paths of SFP are different. The damage path of the SFP sample appears as diffuse damage at 1 mm/min at 60 ℃ or clean damage at 50 mm/min at 25 ℃. These findings indicate that there is a correlation between the compressive strength of grouting slurry and SFP cracking behavior. The cracking form is influenced by loading rate and temperature.

Long-term Performance of Moderate Heat Portland Cement with Double-expansive Sources

The long-term performance of moderate heat Portland cement with double-expansive sources （DE cement） in the system of high MgO clinker and gypsum was studied by XRD, SEM/EDAX and test methods for strength and expansion of cement. Results indicate that the periclase particle, whose size was 5-7.5μm in DE cement clinker containing 4.8 % MgO, existed individually. The periclase hydration in hardened DE cement paste started at about 60 days and completed up to 2 000 days, and ettringite in the paste was stable from 3 days to 2 000 days. Under the conditions of 4.5%-5.0 % MgO in clinker and 2.8%-3.4 %SO3 in cement, ettringite expansion and brucite expansion in DE cement paste had a continuity, entirety and stability. At the ages of 90, 365,730 and 2 000 days the expansion of the paste reached 0.07%-0.11%, 0.16%-0.21%, 0.21%-0.27 %, and 0.29%-0.38%, respectively. The results suggest that by using this cement in mass concrete it may compensate its temperature shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage to some extent.

Performance prediction of expressway pavement in high maintenance level areas based on cosine deterioration equation: A case study of Zhejiang Province in China

Accurate prediction of performance decay law is an important basis for long-term planning of maintenance strategy.The statistical regression prediction model is the most widely employed method to calculate pavement performance due to its advantages such as the small amount of calculation and good accuracy,but the traditional prediction model seems not applicable to the high maintenance level areas with excellent pavement conditions.In this paper,the service life and the cumulative number of the axle load were determined as the independent variables of prediction models of pavement performance.The pavement condition index(PCI)and rutting depth index(RDI)were selected as maintenance decision control indexes to establish the unified prediction model of PCI and RDI respectively by applying the cosine deterioration equation.Results reveal that the deterioration law of PCI presents an anti-S type or concave type and the deterioration law of RDI shows an obvious concave type.The prediction model proposed in this study added the pavement maintenance standard factor d,which brings the model parameterα(reflecting the road life)and the deterioration equations are more applicable than the traditional standard equations.It is found that the fitting effects of PCI and RDI prediction models with different traffic grades are relatively similar to the actual service state of the pavements.

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.

INFLUENCE OF AIRCRAFT DEICER ON FREEZE-THAW DURABILITY OF HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

The influence of glycol,the main composition of the most frequently used aircraft dicer,on the freeze-thaw durability of high performance concrete（HPC）is investigated.Freeze-thaw durability of HPC is tested by accelerated freeze-thaw test.Four kinds of the solution,i.e.,tap water,3.5% NaCl solution,glycol solutions,and a LBR-A type commercial aircraft deicer are employed.Results show that freeze-thaw durability of HPC exposed to glycol solutions is closely related to the solution concentrations.The failure of HPC exposed to 3.5% glycol solution is similar to that of those exposed to 3.5% NaCl solution,i.e.,serious surface scaling.While the damage of HPC exposed to 12.5%—25% glycol solutions is postponed.Compared with glycol solution,the commercial aircraft deicer has much more negative effects on HPC freeze-thaw durability compared with 3.5% NaCl solution.In the presence of commercial aircraft deicer for HPC subjected to freeze-thaw cycles,the deterioration is mainly due to scaling and spalling.

Full-scale multi-functional test platform for investigating mechanical performance of track–subgrade systems of high-speed railways

Motivated by the huge practical engineering demand for the fundamental understanding of mechanical characteristics of high-speed railway infrastructure,a fullscale multi-functional test platform for high-speed railway track–subgrade system is developed in this paper,and its main functions for investigating the mechanical performance of track–subgrade systems are elaborated with three typical experimental examples.Comprising the full-scale subgrade structure and all the five types of track structures adopted in Chinese high-speed railways,namely the CRTS I,the CRTS II and the CRTS III ballastless tracks,the double-block ballastless track and the ballasted track,the test platform is established strictly according to the construction standard of Chinese high-speed railways.Three kinds of effective loading methods are employed,including the real bogie loading,multi-point loading and the impact loading.Various types of sensors are adopted in different components of the five types of track–subgrade systems to measure the displacement,acceleration,pressure,structural strain and deformation,etc.Utilizing this test platform,both dynamic characteristics and long-term performance evolution of high-speed railway track–subgrade systems can be investigated,being able to satisfy the actual demand for large-scale operation of Chinese high-speed railways.As examples,three typical experimental studies are presented to elucidate the comprehensive functionalities of the full-scale multi-functional test platform for exploring the dynamic performance and its long-term evolution of ballastless track systems and for studying the long-term accumulative settlement of the ballasted track–subgrade system in high-speed railways.Some interesting phenomena and meaningful results are captured by the developed test platform,which provide a useful guidance for the scientific operation and maintenance of high-speed railway infrastructure.

Study on Air-Purifying Performance of Semi-Flexible Asphalt Samples Coated with Titanium Dioxide Using Different Methods

Titanium dioxide(TiO_(2))was recently employed to apply onto road surfaces to degrade the harmful compounds from vehicle emissions.However,it remains a challenging task to find a highly compatible pavement type for TiO_(2)application to achieve durable and efficient air-purifying performance.This study proposed to coat TiO_(2)particles onto semi-flexible pavement surface and tried to investigate an optimum coating method.Three coating methods,including direct mixing TiO_(2)(MT)with asphalt mixture,spraying dry TiO_(2)(ST)coating and watersolution-based TiO_(2)(WT)coating on semi-flexible pavement surface.To achieve this objective,semi-flexible samples were prepared to evaluate and compare the performances of three coating methods by employing resistance to wearing,NO removal efficiency tests and residual texture depth tests.It was found that the ST method not only provided better NO degrading efficiency but also improved the resistance to wearing than the other two methods.

Mechanisms by which fibroblast growth factor 20 improves motor performance in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Genome-wide studies have reported that Parkinson’s disease is associated with abnormal expression of various growth factors. In this study, male C57 BL/6 mice aged 10 weeks were used to establish Parkinson’s disease models using an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. 28 days later, 10 or 100 ng fibroblast growth factor 20 was injected intracerebroventricularly. The electrophysiological changes in the mouse hippocampus were recorded using a full-cell patch clamp. Expression of Kv4.2 in the substantia nigra was analyzed using a western blot assay. Serum malondialdehyde levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The motor coordination of mice was evaluated using the rotarod test. The results showed that fibroblast growth factor 20 decreased A-type potassium current in neurons of the substantia nigra, increased long-term potentiation amplitude in the hippocampus, and downregulated Kv4.2 expression. A high dose of fibroblast growth factor 20 reduced serum malondialdehyde levels and enhanced the motor coordination of mice. These findings confirm that fibroblast growth factor 20 has a therapeutic effect on the toxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, and its mechanism of action is associated with the inhibition of A-type K+ currents and Kv4.2 expression. All animal procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China in 2017(approval No. KYLL-2017-0012).

Dimensionality regulation in tin halide perovskite solar cells: Toward high performance and stability

Tin halide perovskites(THPs)have received extensive attention due to their low toxicity and excellent optoelectronic properties,and are considered to be the most promising alternatives to develop efficient lead-free perovskite solar cells.However,due to the unique and inherent characteristics of Sn^(2+)being easily oxidized to Sn^(4+)and fast crystallization,tin perovskite solar cells(TPSCs)show relatively poor performance and stability,compared to the lead counterparts.Recently,the introduction of bulky organic spacers into three-dimensional(3D)THPs for dimensional regulation can not only prevent the intrusion of water and oxygen,but also inhibit the self-doping effect and ion migration.In this review,we will detail how dimensional regulation enables TPSCs with high performance and superior stability.First,we summarize the intrinsic properties of THPs and analyze the root causes of their poor performance and instability.Next,we discuss the specific structure and types of the dimensional regulation strategy.Then,the mechanism of dimensional regulation is discussed in detail,mainly from inhibiting the Sn^(2+)oxidation,optimizing crystallization,passivating defects,and improving energy level alignment.Finally,future challenges and prospects for dimensional regulation are elaborated to help researchers develop more efficient and stable TPSCs.

Analysis of Historic Pavement and Bridge Conditions and Alternative Funding Levels for the Michigan Department of Transportation

In 1997 the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) established an ambitious set of condition targets for its pavements and bridges, and the Department received increased revenue from a 4-cent-per-gallon increase in the state motor fuels tax to help meet its targets. However, over time, actual revenue was less than both what was initially estimated as needed to meet the targets and what was projected from the tax increase. Consequently, actual conditions were projected to fall short of the target levels, so the department issued bonds to address the shortfall through 2012. To support deliberations on future funding, in 2013 MDOT performed an analysis of historic conditions to determine what additional fuel tax revenues would have been required beginning in 1997 to: replace bond revenues used to fund pavement and bridge projects from 1997 to 2012;and enable MDOT to meet its condition targets. The analysis was performed using data on actual pavement and bridge funding and conditions;as well as predicted funding and conditions for different hypothetical increases in fuel taxes. The analysis concluded that, in addition to the actual increase of 4 cents per gallon, a fuel tax increase of another 10 cents per gallon would have been required in 1997 to replace bond revenue used for pavement and bridges and allow MDOT to meet its condition targets. The analysis results were used to help inform the discussion of Michigan’s target asset conditions and funding, and demonstrate application of MDOT’s pavement and bridge management systems for performing historic analyses.

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.