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Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 3110

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Dr. Hui Wang

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Guest Editor

School of Civil ＆ Environmental Engineering and Geography Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
Interests: intelligent materials; self-sensing performance; non-destructive testing technology; durability; thermoregulation cement-based materials
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Dr. Ge Zhang

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Guest Editor

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
Interests: mechanical properties of concrete structures; advanced cement-based materials; hydration mechanism of cement

Dr. Ling Qin

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Interests: concrete durability; magnesium based low-carbon cementitious materials; carbon sequestration of cement-based materials; solid waste resource utilization; asphalt
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, the accumulation of solid waste has become a global environmental challenge, posing severe threats to ecological security and sustainable development. The comprehensive utilization of solid waste not only alleviates the pressure of waste disposal but also realizes the recycling of resources, which is of great significance for promoting the low-carbon transformation of the construction industry and building a circular economy system.

Following the previous edition (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/coatings/special_issues/Sustainable_Pavement), we are glad to announce the second volume. This Special Issue "Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition" focuses on the latest research achievements, technological innovations and practical applications in the field of solid waste resource utilization. We warmly welcome original research papers, review articles and technical notes that cover various aspects of solid waste utilization. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

solid waste resource utilization technology in cement- based materials;
performance regulation of solid waste modified asphalt and pavement materials;
carbon sequestration and emission reduction in solid waste utilization processes;
durability optimization of solid waste-based building materials;
hydration mechanism and mechanical properties of solid waste composite materials;
low-carbon cementitious materials prepared from solid waste;
engineering application cases of comprehensive solid waste utilization.

We sincerely invite researchers, engineers and scholars from around the world to contribute their valuable works to this Special Issue, aiming to promote academic exchanges and technological progress in the field of comprehensive solid waste utilization and provide effective solutions for global environmental protection and sustainable development.

Dr. Hui Wang
Dr. Ge Zhang
Dr. Ling Qin
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

comprehensive utilization of solid waste
cement-based materials
asphalt
low-carbon materials
concrete durability
surface treatment
mechanical properties

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4697 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties and Damage Mechanisms of Straw Fiber-Reinforced Black Soil Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles in Cold Regions

by Guoliang Li, Sihui Yang, Guannan Yu, Decheng Feng and Junyan Yi

Coatings 2026, 16(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16050557 - 6 May 2026

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Freeze–thaw cycles are the main cause of subgrade damage in cold regions. To investigate how straw fibers affect the road performance of reinforced black soil in these areas, this study conducted unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and resilient modulus (RM) tests, supplemented by CT scanning. The novelty lies in comparing coarse and fine straw fibers and establishing a freeze–thaw damage prediction model. It analyzed the effects of straw fiber types (coarse and fine) and contents (0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) on the soil’s mechanical properties and reinforcement mechanisms. Results showed that straw fibers enhance soil mechanics by distributing stress, limiting soil particle movement, inhibiting crack growth, and reducing porosity. Fiber content impacts the mechanical properties of reinforced soil more significantly than fiber type. The optimal fiber content for both coarse and fine straw fibers is 1%. At this content, the UCS of coarse fiber-reinforced soil (CFS) reached 1.11 MPa, a 32.14% increase compared to the reference group (B-0), and the RM reached 207.39 MPa, a 63.70% increase compared to B-0. Meanwhile, the UCS of fine fiber-reinforced soil (FFS) reached 1.01 MPa, a 20.24% increase, and the RM reached 150.33 MPa, an 18.66% increase. Freeze–thaw cycles degrade mechanical properties by weakening the bond between soil and straw fibers. As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases, both the UCS loss rate and RM loss rate rise. FFS exhibits superior freeze–thaw resistance compared to CFS, due to its lower porosity and fewer cracks. The developed freeze–thaw damage evolution equation shows a strong fit (R² > 0.85) and applies to straw fiber-reinforced black soil under the conditions of this study. This research provides a theoretical basis for designing eco-friendly straw fiber-reinforced subgrades in cold regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 3285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Preparation of Red Mud High-Performance Cement Mortar and the Corresponding Resistance to Dry–Wet Alternation Cycles of Exposure to Chloride and Sulfate Solutions

by Ligai Bai, Chunying Zhu, Jian Zhang, Jiameng Wan, Junzhe Liu, Kangshuo Xia, Feiting Shi and Huihui Tong

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040484 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 541

Abstract

The accumulation of highly alkaline red mud poses serious environmental risks due to land occupation and potential soil/groundwater contamination. Recycling red mud as a secondary resource offers an eco-friendly solution, yet its influence on the performance of high-performance mortar (HPM) remains incompletely understood, particularly in aggressive environments. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of red mud on the fresh and hardened properties of HPM, including rheological parameters, setting time, mechanical strength, drying shrinkage, and sulfate dry–wet erosion resistance. The novelty lies in (1) quantifying the nonlinear relationships between red mud content and rheological/setting behaviors, (2) revealing the dual effect of red mud with curing age, and (3) using XRD/SEM-EDS to elucidate the micro-mechanisms related to hydration products and elemental changes (Al and Fe). The results show that increasing red mud content reduces slump flow (max 76.03%), plastic viscosity (46.7%), and yield stress (42.3%) while also shortening initial/final setting times (67.91% and 76.18% max reductions). At curing ages below 7 days, flexural and compressive strength increase (up to 64.53% and 33.35%, respectively), following cubic functions; however, at 7 and 28 days, both strength values decrease (max reductions of 13.43% and 12.98%). Red mud increases drying shrinkage and delays sulfate-induced degradation. Microstructural analysis reveals improved compactness of hydration products at early ages but reduced compactness at later ages, accompanied by increased Al/Fe content and enhanced SiO₂/calcium silicate hydrate crystals. These findings provide valuable insights for applying red mud HPM in marine environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 4064 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Study on the Interlayer Contact Mechanism of Foamed Cold-Recycled Asphalt Mixture Under Static Loads

by Han Zhao, Jiangyu Liu and Junyan Yi

Coatings 2026, 16(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16030378 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 443

Abstract

To investigate the interlayer contact mechanism of foamed cold-recycled asphalt mixture under static loads, a three-layer asphalt pavement discrete element model (DEM) was established, with the surface layer composed of asphalt concrete-13 (AC-13), asphalt concrete-20 (AC-20) and asphalt-treated base-25 (ATB-25) foamed cold-recycled asphalt mixture and cement-stabilized macadam as the base. Based on mortar theory, the pavement was divided into coarse aggregate, asphalt mastic and air void phases, and the Burgers Model, Linear Parallel Bond Model and Linear Model were adopted to characterize the bonding of asphalt-aggregate, cement contact interface and subgrade-surface layer, respectively. Static loads of 0.7 MPa, 1.1 MPa, 1.5 MPa and 1.9 MPa were applied to analyze the mechanical responses of asphalt-based and cement-based pavement systems from tensile strain, vertical compressive stress and vertical displacement. Results showed that mechanical indices of the pavement increase monotonically with static load and present obvious layered distribution. The cement-stabilized macadam base provides rigid support, significantly reducing tensile strain (TS) and vertical displacement (VD) of asphalt layers, while the asphalt-based system has flexible stress transfer and superior stress dissipation in the bottom layer. The two systems exhibit respective structural advantages, with the cement-based system outstanding in deformation control and the asphalt-based system suitable for flexible stress adaptation working conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2724 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mix Design and Performance Regulation of Calcium Carbide Slag–Silica Fume-Based Lightweight Fluid Solidified Soil

by Yongkang Wang, Qicheng Jian, Jikai Fu, Xianghui Kong, Jiaxiang Fang, Lipeng Lu, Maolin Wang and Yilong Li

Coatings 2026, 16(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16020256 - 18 Feb 2026

Viewed by 657

Abstract

Calcium carbide slag and silica fume was used as a cement replacement material, combined with excavated soil and EPS (expanded polystyrene) particles, to develop a new green and low-carbon lightweight fluid solidified soil (LFSS). Focusing on the performance regulation of LFSS, this study adopted the paste volume ratio (PV, defined as the volume ratio of paste to total mixture) and the water–binder ratio (w/b) to systematically construct a mix ratio design system and proposed EPS particle interface modification and shell formation technology to improve the weak interface bonding between EPS and the matrix. Firstly, based on the paste volume method, the effects of PV and w/b on the flowability and strength of LFSS were analyzed, and a linear correlation model between the water–solid volume ratio and flowability, as well as a quadratic function prediction model for 28-day strength, was established. Secondly, the “core–shell structure” of EPS particles was constructed by combining EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) modification with the coating of calcium carbide slag–silica fume paste. Considering the influence of the coating method, w/b, and material mass ratio on interface bonding comprehensively, the optimal process parameters were determined to achieve the interface reinforcement of EPS particle. The results showed that the water–solid volume ratio was significantly linearly correlated with the flowability of LFSS. PV and w/b respectively controlled the framework formation and pore structure evolution of LFSS, with optimal overall performance at PV = 0.55 and w/b = 2.5. The modification shell formation significantly reduced the shell loss rate of EPS particles and increased the 28-day compressive strength of LFSS by 21.7%. SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDS (energy-dispersive spectroscopy) analysis further revealed that the shell-formation technique promoted the densification of the interface transition zone, enhanced the deposition of hydration products, and strengthened the synergistic effect of Na and Ca elements, thereby significantly improving interface bonding and overall structural stability. This study established a “mix ratio optimization-modification and shell formation” dual-regulation mechanism, providing an effective technical approach and theoretical basis for the engineering application of calcium carbide slag–silica fume-based LFSS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 4907 KB

Open AccessArticle

Uniaxial Tensile Stress–Crack Width Relationship of 3D/4D/5D Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

by Danying Gao, Kaipeng Zhang, Chong Ding and Zhe Fang

Coatings 2026, 16(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16020217 - 8 Feb 2026

Viewed by 762

Abstract

Steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC), as a composite engineering material, exhibits excellent physical and mechanical properties, making it widely applied in civil engineering, construction, water conservancy, transportation, and port industries. To date, significant progress has been made in the research of plain and single-hook (3D) steel-fiber-reinforced concrete both domestically and internationally. With advancements in technology, multi-end hooked 4D and 5D steel fibers have emerged, offering more end hooks and a higher tensile strength. These fibers possess a stronger anchorage capacity with the matrix, and SFRC with multi-end hooked fibers exhibits superior tensile and flexural properties. However, research on multi-end hooked (4D and 5D) steel-fiber-reinforced concrete is still in its early stages, particularly regarding the axial tensile stress–crack width constitutive relationship. The accuracy and rationality of this constitutive relationship directly affect the reliability and precision of structural design. Therefore, in this study, a novel σ-w constitutive relationship model for steel-fiber-reinforced concrete and an axial tensile stress–crack width testing method for SFRC are proposed, based on 16 sets of uniaxial tensile tests. This model considers the comprehensive effects of the concrete matrix, fiber bridging, fiber volume fraction, fiber shape factor (effects of the number of hooked ends), aspect ratio, and crack width. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition)

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