Temporal Deformation Characteristics of Hydraulic Asphalt Concrete Slope Flow Under Different Test Temperatures
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Test Procedure
2.1. Sample Preparation
2.2. Developed Test Apparatus
2.3. Test Plan
- (1)
- Initial setup: According to the test plan, the multifunctional sample holder’s slope was set to 1:1.7, and the temperature inside the high-precision temperature control box was programmed to the target T.
- (2)
- Sample installation: Once the temperature inside the high-precision temperature control box stabilized, the box door was opened, and the multifunctional sample holder extracted. High-temperature-resistant adhesive was uniformly applied to the placement table, followed by specimen adhesion.
- (3)
- Laser displacement sensor calibration: The laser displacement sensor was activated and calibrated by adjusting the reference slope board until the beam aligned with the predefined D = 50 mm point from the specimen base (Figure 4).
- (4)
- Test initiation: The multifunctional sample holder with the installed specimen was smoothly pushed back into the high-precision temperature control box, and its door was closed. The laser displacement sensor readings were zeroed before initiating 48 h isothermal testing.
- (5)
- Data acquisition: Real-time slope flow values were recorded and downloaded via the digital twin system throughout testing.
3. Result Analysis
3.1. Temporal Evolution of Slope Flow Value
3.2. Temporal Evolution of Slope Flow Completion Rate
3.3. Stage Characterization of Slope Flow Evolution
4. Nonlinear Mechanical Behavior Characteristics of HAC Thermal Stability
4.1. Thermal Stability Temperature Influence Factor
4.2. Disorder Characteristics of the Thermal Stability Temperature Influence Factor Sequence
5. Discussion
6. Conclusions
- The slope flow deformation of asphalt concrete exhibits a distinct three-stage temporal evolution pattern: (1) Rapid growth stage (0~12 h): The slope flow value increases rapidly, reaching 50~70% of the final deformation. This is attributed to thermal disruption of the primary skeleton structure formed by coarse aggregates. (2) Decelerated growth stage (12~24 h): The growth rate decreases sharply, with deformation attaining 70~90% of the final value. During this stage, an embryonic secondary skeleton forms and progressively develops deformation resistance. (3) Stabilization stage (24~48 h): Deformation stabilizes (>90% completion) as coarse aggregates complete reorganization, establishing a stable secondary skeleton that effectively resists further flow.
- The thermal stability of asphalt concrete is synergistically controlled by the phase-transition behavior of the asphalt binder and the reorganization of coarse aggregates. At elevated temperatures, the asphalt phase transition dominates initial deformation, while coarse aggregate reorganization governs stabilization by forming a secondary skeleton in later stages. When the test temperature exceeds the asphalt’s softening point, the internal system enters an aperiodic oscillatory state. This systematic disordering prevents coarse aggregates from establishing an effective secondary skeleton.
- Beyond the asphalt’s softening point, non-periodic instability compromises aggregate interlocking, accelerating deformation. This necessitates thermal mitigation strategies (e.g., reflective surface coatings) and material optimization (e.g., high-softening-point binders, optimized gradation indices) for slope integrity in pumped-storage facilities.
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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No. | Variable Name | Variable Value | Other Variables | Number of Samples |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Test temperature (T) | 20 °C | Tamp angle α = 30° | 3 |
2 | 35 °C | 3 | ||
3 | 50 °C | 3 | ||
4 | 70 °C | 3 |
Test Time/h | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 48 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average value/% | 52.95 | 70.305 | 81.4825 | 87.68833 | 92.96917 | 96.115 | 100 |
Standard deviation/% | 4.66 | 4.98 | 4.61 | 3.46 | 2.30 | 1.63 | 0 |
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An, X.; Li, J.; Ning, Z. Temporal Deformation Characteristics of Hydraulic Asphalt Concrete Slope Flow Under Different Test Temperatures. Materials 2025, 18, 3625. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153625
An X, Li J, Ning Z. Temporal Deformation Characteristics of Hydraulic Asphalt Concrete Slope Flow Under Different Test Temperatures. Materials. 2025; 18(15):3625. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153625
Chicago/Turabian StyleAn, Xuexu, Jingjing Li, and Zhiyuan Ning. 2025. "Temporal Deformation Characteristics of Hydraulic Asphalt Concrete Slope Flow Under Different Test Temperatures" Materials 18, no. 15: 3625. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153625
APA StyleAn, X., Li, J., & Ning, Z. (2025). Temporal Deformation Characteristics of Hydraulic Asphalt Concrete Slope Flow Under Different Test Temperatures. Materials, 18(15), 3625. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153625