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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 28644

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ali Jamshidi

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Guest Editor

School of Engineering and Science; University of the Sunshine Coast; Queensland 4556, Australia
Interests: pavement engineering; construction material recycling; concrete pavements; asphalt pavements; concrete block pavements; sustainable pavements; environmental impact assessments
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pavements are multirole transportation infrastructure assets. This means that the pavement surface should provide a safe surface for the transportation of goods and passengers on the road and in airports and ports. Further, pavements should be resistant enough against structural loads and environmental gradients. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze structural performance and sustainability in pavement construction. The selection of appropriate materials for better performance requires a deep knowledge of rheology, solid mechanic, numerical, and statistical modeling. New research is thus required to update methodologies in the structural design and analysis of pavements considering current and future issues, such as environmental impacts.

The purpose of the Special Issue entitled “Pavement Analysis, Design, and Material Characterization” is to cover various subjects related to the structural and environmental design and analysis of pavement systems. In addition, various characterization methodologies and approaches to modeling will be considered. Studies of the materials used in different pavement alternatives, such as asphalt, concrete, and concrete block, will fall within the scope of this Special Issue. In addition, since pavements are not only designed for roads, research on airport and port pavement design and materials will be highly appreciated.

This call is an invitation to all pavement engineers, material researchers, contractors, and users to contribute with your experience and the results of your research and consultancy projects. It is hoped that this Special Issue will make a significant contribution to the literature on the design and construction of high-strength pavements.

Dr. Ali Jamshidi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Asphalt pavement
Concrete pavement
Soil stabilization
Aggregate material
Asphalt rheology
Cementitious materials
Asphalt mix design
Waste material
Structural design
Structural modeling
Hot mix asphalt
Warm mix asphalt
Emulsion asphalt
Pavement maintenance and rehabilitation
Pavement recycling
Long-term performance
Asphalt aging
Pavement construction
Pavement design and analysis
Environmental impact assessment
Sustainable pavement material
Pavement material production
Perpetual pavement
Sustainable pavement
Pavement failures
Structural and functional performance
Pavement management system
Field and laboratory test
Full scale simulation

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Methodology to Characterize the Workability of Asphaltic Concrete Mixtures Based on Kinematic Compaction Energy

by Ali Jamshidi, Greg White and Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6550; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116550 - 27 May 2022

Viewed by 1407

Abstract

The workability of asphalt mixtures influences the logistical processes and workmanship during pavement construction. There are various methods for analyzing the workability of asphaltic concrete mixtures. However, there is a lack of user-friendly laboratory methods that enable asphalt technologists, pavement engineers, laboratory technicians, and researchers to characterize the trend of workability via Newtonian physics. In this paper, a new methodology, based on momentum theory, has been proposed to evaluate the effects of construction temperature and compaction aid additives on mixture workability. Additionally, a new parameter, namely, the kinematic densifying index (KDI), is defined by the energy conservation theory. The results indicate a linear relationship between compaction energy and bulk specific gravity, which proportionally influence the indirect tensile strength of the mixtures. An adverse correlation between the KDI and the compaction energy index (CEI) was detected. The trend of the KDI strongly depends on the mixing temperature and the additive content. In conclusion, in the future, the KDI can be recommended as a supplementary indicator to analyze the workability of asphalt mixtures. More research is required to correlate the KDI and the other workability indicator for various aggregate gradations and binder types. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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25 pages, 6377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Characterization of Industrial Waste Materials as Mineral Fillers in Asphalt Mixes: Integrated Experimental and Machine Learning Analysis

by Nitin Tiwari, Nicola Baldo, Neelima Satyam and Matteo Miani

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5946; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105946 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2236

Abstract

In this study, the effect of seven industrial waste materials as mineral fillers in asphalt mixtures was investigated. Silica fume (SF), limestone dust (LSD), stone dust (SD), rice husk ash (RHA), fly ash (FA), brick dust (BD), and marble dust (MD) were used to prepare the asphalt mixtures. The obtained experimental results were compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which is used as a conventional mineral filler. The physical, chemical, and morphological assessment of the fillers was performed to evaluate the suitability of industrial waste to replace the OPC. The volumetric, strength, and durability of the modified asphalt mixes were examined to evaluate their performance. The experimental data have been processed through artificial neural networks (ANNs), using k-fold cross-validation as a resampling method and two different activation functions to develop predictive models of the main mechanical and volumetric parameters. In the current research, the two most relevant parameters investigated are the filler type and the filler content, given that they both greatly affect the asphalt concrete mechanical performance. The asphalt mixes have been optimized by means of the Marshall stability analysis, and after that, for each different filler, the optimum asphalt mixtures were investigated by carrying out Indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and abrasion loss tests. The moisture sensitivity of the modified asphalt mixtures is within the acceptable limit according to the Indian standard. Asphalt mixes modified with the finest mineral fillers exhibited superior stiffness and cracking resistance. Experimental results show higher moisture resistance in calcium-dominant mineral filler-modified asphalt mixtures. Except for mixes prepared with RHA and MD (4% filler content), all the asphalt mixtures considered in this study show MS values higher than 10 kN, as prescribed by Indian regulations. All the values of the void ratio for each asphalt mix have been observed to range between 3–5%, and MQ results were observed between 2 kN/mm–6 kN/mm, which falls within the acceptable range of the Indian specification. Partly due to implementing a data-augmentation strategy based on interpolation, the ANN modeling was very successful, showing a coefficient of correlation averaged over all output variables equal to 0.9967. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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17 pages, 4201 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Novel Neural Computing Model Applied to Estimate the Dynamic Modulus (DM) of Asphalt Mixtures by the Improved Beetle Antennae Search

by Jiandong Huang, Mengmeng Zhou, Mohanad Muayad Sabri Sabri and Hongwei Yuan

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105938 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1488

Abstract

To accurately estimate the dynamic properties of the asphalt mixtures to be used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), a novel neural computing model using the improved beetle antennae search was developed. Asphalt mixtures were designed conventionally by eight types of aggregate gradations and two types of asphalt binders. The dynamic modulus (DM) tests were conducted under 3 temperatures and 3 loading frequencies to construct 144 datasets for the machine learning process. A novel neural network model was developed by using an improved beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm to adjust the hyperparameters more efficiently. The predictive results of the proposed model were determined by R and RMSE and the importance score of the input parameters was assessed as well. The prediction performance showed that the improved BAS algorithm can effectively adjust the hyperparameters of the neural network calculation model, and built the asphalt mixture DM prediction model has higher reliability and effectiveness than the random hyperparameter selection. The mixture model can accurately evaluate and predict the DM of the asphalt mixture to be used in MEPDG. The dynamic shear modulus of the asphalt binder is the most important parameter that affects the DM of the asphalt mixtures because of its high correlation with the adhesive effect in the composition. The phase angle of the binder showed the highest influence on the DM of the asphalt mixtures in the remaining variables. The importance of these influences can provide a reference for the future design of asphalt mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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14 pages, 46036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Stress Fields near Longitudinal Construction Joints of Tied and Doweled Sections in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements

by Geuntae Hong, Jiyoung Kim, Jung Heum Yeon, Moon Won and Seongcheol Choi

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11217; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011217 - 12 Oct 2021

Viewed by 1951

Abstract

In Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements, tie bars are commonly used at longitudinal construction joints (LCJs) to prevent the lanes from separating. Meanwhile, the increase in multiple lanes due to greater traffic volumes has raised concerns about potential longitudinal cracking; this has led to the use of dowel bars instead of tie bars at LCJs. However, there is a paucity of studies focused on the comparison between the behaviors of concrete pavement based on the restrained conditions provided by tie and dowel bars at LCJs. In this study, we investigated the effects of the placement of tie and dowel bars at LCJs on the potential for longitudinal cracking in response to the increase in concrete stress that may occur when the lanes are tied together in PCC pavements. Field testing verified that the variation in concrete strain was more restrained in the case of a tie bar than a dowel bar, whereas it resulted in higher stress in the concrete element in the tie bar section. However, the use of dowel bars caused more movement in the transverse direction at LCJs as compared with tie bars. Thus, our results indicate that using dowel bars reduces the potential for longitudinal cracking; however, it may increase the potential for lane separation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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28 pages, 10454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fractured Aggregate Particles on Linear Stress Ratio of Aggregate and Resilience Properties of Asphalt Mixes—A Way Forward for Sustainable Pavements

by Mujasim Ali Rizvi, Ammad Hassan Khan, Zia ur Rehman, Zubair Masoud and Aasim Inam

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8630; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158630 - 02 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

The interlocking and packing of aggregate particles play a key role in achieving high level of linear viscoelastic properties and rutting resistance in asphalt mix for sustainable pavements. In this study, the quantitative effect of fractured aggregate particles (FAPs) on loading (i.e., 500 kPa normal stress), along with the resilience properties of asphalt mixes, was evaluated. Linear and nonlinear stress behaviors of aggregates (from direct shear test) and asphalt mixes (from resilient modulus test) were analyzed. A new quantitative parameter (linear stress ratio), i.e., linear stress (P_i)/maximum stress (P_max), is proposed to be used in selection of aggregates for asphalt mixes. It was observed that 15.5% increase in FAPs caused 19.5% increase in ϕ and 70.7% increase in linear stress ratio (LSR). The same content of FAPs resulted in 29.4% and 36% increases in total resilient modulus (MRT) and 34.2% and 24.5% increases in instantaneous resilient modulus (MRI) for 0.1 and 0.3 s load durations, respectively. The proposed LSR is observed to be superior to conventionally used ϕ for aggregate resistance in design of flexible pavements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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14 pages, 1598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Matrix Analysis Methodology for Characterization of Short-Term Aging in Asphalt Binders Modified by Synthetic Wax

by Ali Jamshidi, Greg White, Wim Van den bergh, Seyed Reza Omranian and Meor Othman Hamzah

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115784 - 21 May 2021

Viewed by 1372

Abstract

In this study, an innovative methodology is proposed to characterize the short-term aging of asphalt binders using the matrix analysis method. The rotational viscosity and complex shear modulus of asphalt binders were chosen as target rheological properties for the analysis of aging. A set of square matrices was developed based on test temperatures and the synthetic additive wax content. Transformational short-term aging matrices were obtained that characterize the trend of the aging process as a function of binder type, temperature sweep, and additive percentage. The results of the matrix analysis show that the trend of short-term aging depends on the binder performance grade and the rheological characteristic chosen for the analysis of aging. In addition, transformational aging matrices can provide detailed information about the range of the aging rate and the trend in aging for each binder type. Furthermore, the components of the transformational matrices clearly show the sensitivity of the binders to aging. In conclusion, the matrix analysis of aging can be used to compare the effects of short-term aging of different asphalt binders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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13 pages, 2247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduction of Plastic Deformation in Heavy Traffic Intersections in Urban Areas

by Seungbub Song and Chunho Yeom

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 4002; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13074002 - 03 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1740

Abstract

This study aims to maximize the effects of reducing plastic deformation in heavy traffic intersections in urban areas by improving the aggregates and binders of asphalt mixtures in order to verify the strength effect of SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) mixtures compared with that of fluid-resistant asphalt mixtures. The authors examine the pavement performance and conduct an economic analysis for sustainable urban infrastructure. Additionally, to reduce plastic deformation, the study analyzed an improvement plan through experimental research based on the existing literature. First, we determined the mixing design specifications of the general asphalt fluid-resistant mixture and SMA mixture, which is known to reduce plastic deformation. Next, we confirmed the appropriateness of the raw materials and mixing design results. Finally, a performance test was conducted on plastic deformation resistance. A wheel tracking test was also conducted as a performance experiment. The test body—with a fiber grid reinforcing material installed in the SMA mixture—showed high dynamic stability, which was the most effective for reducing plastic deformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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20 pages, 8759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Synthesis on the Effects of Two Commercial Recycled Plastics on the Properties of Bitumen and Asphalt

by Greg White

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8594; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208594 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4318

Abstract

The desire to develop sustainable infrastructure, including pavement structures and materials, is ever increasing in recent times. One opportunity is to partially replace high-cost bituminous binder with low-cost recycled plastic in asphalt mixtures. This synthesis combines the various research efforts to understand the effects of two commercially available recycled plastics, known as MR6 and MR10, on bituminous binders and asphalt mixtures. Using common test methods from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia, generally consistent and significant effects were observed in various base bitumen grades and various common asphalt mixture types. Binder resistance to flow and binder elasticity both increased significantly and were associated with the three to four grade increases under the Performing Grading system. Similarly, mixture stiffness and mixture resistance to deformation increased significantly, while crack resistance and moisture damage resistance were not significantly affected. The effects of MR6 and MR10 were generally similar to the effects associated with conventional polymer modification of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures, particularly those effects associated with plastomeric polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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13 pages, 2668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Functional Properties of Pervious Concrete

by Alena Sičáková and Marek Kováč

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6318; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166318 - 05 Aug 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2808

Abstract

Pervious concrete is characterized by its open-void structure, which gives it a number of specific properties and allows specific applications, including pervious pavements, residential roads, alleys, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, and so on. Permeable areas are extremely important for the creation of sustainable cities in terms of the water cycle. Due to its high void content and low cement/mortar content, pervious concrete generally may have significantly reduced strength when compared with conventional concrete. That is why a wide range of research activities is devoted to the balance between acceptable void content, strength, as well as other significant properties. Knowledge of the relationships between the individual properties is very important for understanding this specific material. In this paper, a wide range of 38 different composition variants has been tested to determine the dependencies between the essential properties of pervious concrete. The variables related to the type of aggregate, maximum grain size, the grain-size composition, the amount of binder, and the kind (composition) of binder. The dependencies reported in the article are defined with high reliability R² ranging from 0.75 to 0.95. On the basis of the dependencies thus determined, it can be predicted that a density of min. 1740 kg/m³ must be reached to meet the requirement of min. 10 MPa for nonpavement applications, while a density of min. 1960 kg/m³ must be achieved to meet min. 20 MPa for pavement applications. The criteria of the void ratio for pavement applications can be set at 20 ± 3%, while the criteria for nonpavement applications can be set at 28 ± 6%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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16 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Short-Term Aging on the Compactibility and Volumetric Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Using the Response Surface Method

by Seyed Reza Omranian, Meor Othman Hamzah, Georgios Pipintakos, Wim Van den bergh, Cedric Vuye and Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156181 - 31 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2441

Abstract

Several factors affect asphalt binder and mixture characteristics. This makes pavement performance assessment a mounting task. This paper evaluates the effects of short-term aging on compactibility and volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures using the Response Surface Method (RSM). Three different binders were utilized to produce mixtures (type AC-14). Aging temperature, aging duration, and duration in a climate chamber with increased humidity and ultraviolet lighting were considered as independent variables (IV), while compactibility and volumetric properties were regarded as dependent variables (DV). The findings revealed significant impacts of aging temperature and duration on compactibility, air voids, voids in mineral aggregate, and voids filled with asphalt, while duration in the climate chamber exhibited no significant influence on the DVs. The effects of IVs on DVs varied by binder type. This was achieved through an elaborate statistical analysis. The study, finally, demonstrates the RSM’s potential to predict changes in responses from mathematical equations—converging with the experimental observation—with excellent accuracy. Potentially, pavement contractors can use this method by replacing haulage duration and mixtures’ temperatures during paving in the developed models. It enables them to predict the pavement density and adjust pressure as well as the number of roller passes to achieve the desired requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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18 pages, 6613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Inappropriate Binder Grade Selection on Initiation of Asphalt Pavement Cracking

by Rodgers Mugume and Denis Kakoto

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6099; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156099 - 29 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2723

Abstract

This paper is aimed at assessing in-service asphalt pavement cracking in order to fully understand its causes as well as reviewing the possible impact of implementing a new mix design method on failures observed. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted as well as a review of design and construction records. Substitution of a Performance Grade (PG) binder with straight run pen grade binder without performing independent Superpave PG verification tests greatly contributed to cracking. A 20/30 pen grade binder which was utilised had already undergone some change in its properties since its manufacture and therefore did not provide the required workability and crack resistance that it would otherwise have been expected to provide. Target mixing and compaction temperature ranges during construction were higher than those recommended confirming that the binder used had already undergone a change in its physical and chemical characteristics between the time of its manufacture and use. Additionally, a lapse in quality control and assurance during asphalt production and laying resulted in a highly voided wearing course which exacerbated the situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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2 pages, 150 KiB

Open AccessBook Review

Analysis of Pavement Structures. By Animesh Das. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2014; 194p; ISBN 978-1466558557

by Ali Jamshidi

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6098; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116098 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1863

Abstract

Significant differences exist between pavement and building structures, particularly with respect to the type and mode of loading conditions: structural elements, beams and columns of buildings are subjected to static loads and pavement to dynamic loads. However, the design of structural members for buildings might need to address temporary dynamic loads due to wind, earthquake or other factors depending on building or structure height and application. In contrast, pavements are subjected to the moving loads of vehicles as well as to further loads due to temperature gradients. Since the layers of various materials used in pavements may vary in thickness and the statically indeterminate nature of pavement (due to the full contact with the bed soil layer or the lower layers), any deformation caused by changes in the moisture content and temperature can result in internal stresses in pavement structures. Consequently, analysis of pavement structures can be very complicated, requiring skills in material characterization, mathematics and modeling. In this regard, a useful book that covers various subjects in the pavement design and analysis was reviewed. Th details of each chapter were briefly explained. This book is recommended for consultant engineers and pavement researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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