Search Results (64)

Optimisation of the anti-skid properties of tyres is a significant area of composite applications. For investigating the wet slip friction characteristics, the wet slip friction test of tread rubber and road surface was carried out using the comprehensive tire friction testing machine. The wet slip properties of different formulated rubbers under various working conditions such as different slip speeds, water film thicknesses and vertical loads were compared through the test. Subsequently, an orthogonal test programme was designed to investigate the degree of significant influence of each factor on the wet slip performance. A three-dimensional finite element model of tread rubber and road surface with water film was established in order to facilitate analysis of the wet slip properties. The simulation results were utilised to elucidate the pattern of the effects of different loads on the wet slip friction characteristics. Results indicate that the wet slip friction coefficient is subject to decrease in proportion to the magnitude of the vertical load; the friction coefficient of rubber block in wet slip condition exhibits a decline of approximately 26% in comparison with that of dry condition; the factor that exerts the most significant influence on the coefficient of friction is the vertical load, while the water film thickness exerts the least influence. The results obtained can serve as a reference source for the design of tire anti-skid performance enhancement. Full article

Pavement skid resistance is one of the most important factors affecting road safety, and pavement texture morphology significantly influences this property. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the relationship between pavement texture and skid resistance. This article provides an overview of recent research advancements in key areas, including the anti-skid mechanisms of asphalt pavements, factors affecting pavement anti-skid performance, methods for characterising and evaluating pavement anti-skid performance, and the relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic texture of pavements and their anti-skid performance. Based on a comparative analysis of the intrinsic mechanical interactions between asphalt pavements and rubber tyres, it was determined that the surface texture characteristics of the asphalt pavement are the most critical factor influencing its anti-skid performance. These include both macroscopic and microscopic texture parameters, which, together with the service environment, collectively influence the pavement’s anti-skid performance. The existing texture characteristics, based on the anti-skid performance of asphalt pavements, as detected by various methods and evaluated using established models, are summarised here. Finally, this article discusses the relationship between texture characteristic parameters and asphalt pavement anti-skid performance from both macro- and microtexture perspectives. This synthesis serves as a valuable reference and basis for further research and development in enhancing asphalt pavement skid resistance. Full article

Winter pavement maintenance faces challenges in balancing large-scale upkeep and driving safety, particularly regarding the application of active slow-release materials. This study proposes a gel-modified salt-storing ceramsite asphalt mixture to enhance ice-melting capabilities through controlled salt release. By replacing a conventional coarse aggregate with salt-storing ceramsite in SMA-10 graded mixtures (0–80% content), we systematically evaluate its mechanical performance and de-icing functionality. The experimental results demonstrate that 40% salt-storing ceramsite content optimizes high-temperature stability while maintaining acceptable low-temperature performance and water resistance. Microstructural analysis reveals that silicone–acrylic emulsion forms a hydrophobic film on ceramsite surfaces, enabling uniform salt distribution and sustained release. The optimal 10% gel modification achieves effective salt retention and controlled release through pore-structure regulation. These findings establish a 40–60% salt-storing ceramsite content range as the practical range for winter pavement applications, offering insights into the design of durable snow-melting asphalt surfaces. Full article

To investigate the influence of pavement texture on tire hydroplaning, this study utilized laser scanning to capture the surface characteristics of three asphalt mixtures—AC-13, SMA-13, and OGFC-13—across fifteen rutting plate specimens. Three-dimensional (3D) pavement models were reconstructed to incorporate realistic texture data. Finite element simulations, employing fluid-structure interaction and explicit dynamics in Abaqus, were conducted to model tire-water-pavement interactions. The results indicate that the anti-skid performance ranks as OGFC > SMA > AC. However, despite OGFC and SMA exhibiting comparable anti-skid metrics (e.g., pendulum friction value and mean texture depth), OGFC’s superior texture uniformity results in significantly better hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, tire tread depth critically influences hydroplaning speed. A novel Anti-Slip Comprehensive Texture Index (ACTI) was proposed to evaluate pavement texture uniformity, providing a more comprehensive assessment of anti-skid performance. These findings underscore the importance of texture uniformity in enhancing pavement safety under wet conditions. Full article

To address the issue of air pollution caused by automobile exhaust in China, a titanium dioxide/graphite carbon nitride (TiO₂/g-C₃N₄) composite photocatalyst capable of degrading automobile exhaust was prepared in this study. It was used as an additive to modify styrene–-butadiene latex (SBR) emulsified asphalt. The basic properties of modified emulsified asphalt before and after aging were analyzed, and the dosage range of TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ (TCN) was determined. The environmentally friendly micro-surfacing of degradable automobile exhaust was prepared. Based on 1 h and 6 d wet wheel wear test, rutting deformation test, surface structure depth test, and pendulum friction coefficient test, the road performance of TCN environmentally friendly micro-surfacing mixture with different contents was analyzed and evaluated, and the effect of environmentally friendly degradation of automobile exhaust was studied by a self-made degradation device. The results show that when the mass ratio of TiO₂ and melamine was 1:4, the TCN composite photocatalyst had strong photocatalytic activity. The crystal structure of TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄ was not damaged during the synthesis process. The g-C₃N₄ inhibited the agglomeration of TiO₂. The introduction of N-Ti bond changed the electronic structure of TiO₂, narrowed the band gap and broadened the visible light response range. When the TCN content was in the range of 1~7%, the softening point of SBR- modified emulsified asphalt increased with the increase in TCN content, the penetration decreased, the ductility decreased gradually, and the storage stability increased gradually. The penetration ratio and ductility ratio of the composite-modified emulsified asphalt after aging increased with the increase in TCN content, and the increment of the softening point decreased. This shows that the TCN content is beneficial to the high-temperature performance and anti-aging performance of SBR-modified emulsified asphalt, and has an adverse effect on low temperature performance and storage stability. The addition of TCN can improve the wear resistance and rutting resistance of the micro-surfacing mixture, and has no effect on the water damage resistance and skid resistance. The environment-friendly micro-surfacing asphalt mixture had a significant degradation effect on NO, CO, and HC. With the increase in TCN content, the degradation efficiency of the three gases was on the rise. When the content was 5%, the degradation rates of NO, CO, and HC were 37.16%, 25.72%, and 20.44%, respectively, which are 2.34 times, 2.47, times and 2.30 times that of the 1% content, and the degradation effect was significantly improved. Full article

To prevent traffic accidents caused by icy roads in winter and damage to roads resulting from repeated freeze–thaw cycles, this paper proposes an optimized design plan for slow-release anti-icing fog seal. The effects of the dosages of slow-release anti-icing agent, water-based epoxy resin modifier, and penetrant on the ice- and snow-melting properties, mechanical properties, and penetration properties of the fog seal were investigated. Based on single-factor experiments, a Box–Behnken model was established, and the response surface method was employed to optimize the design of the fog seal. Subsequently, wear resistance was assessed using an accelerated loading test, while anti-skid performance was evaluated through the British pendulum test and the sand patch test. The results indicate that the optimal ratio for the slow-release anti-icing fog seal is 13% slow-release anti-icing agent, 20% water-based epoxy resin modifier, and 12% penetrant. This material demonstrated excellent ice- and snow-melting performance as well as good wear and skid resistance in testing, providing valuable insights for the application of the slow-release anti-icing agent in new pavement maintenance techniques. Full article

The impact of ice and snow in seasonally frozen regions has led to a significant decline in the flatness and skid resistance of highway pavements, creating severe traffic safety hazards. With economic development driving the transition from road construction to maintenance, this study proposes enhancing Ultra-Thin Wearing Course (UTWC) maintenance materials with anti-icing performance and snow-melting properties. The study first employed the Marshall mix design method to develop gradations for two common types of UTWC asphalt mixtures: the dense-graded GT-8 and the open-graded NovaChip^® Type-B. Using the volume substitution method, aggregates were replaced with equivalent volumes of ceramic grains. The optimal asphalt–aggregate ratios for the mixtures with varying ceramic grain contents were determined, and the influence of ceramic grains content on the asphalt–aggregate ratio was analyzed. The results indicate that the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio increases with higher ceramic grains content. Subsequently, the high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, and water stability of UTWC with varying ceramic grain contents were evaluated. Overall, NovaChip^® gradation mixtures demonstrated superior road performance compared to GT-8 gradation mixtures. Moreover, an increase in ceramic grains content enhanced the high-temperature performance of UTWC but moderately reduced its low-temperature performance and water stability. Finally, the effects of different ceramic grain contents and snowmelt agent types on the anti-icing and snowmelt properties of UTWC were examined. The results revealed that higher ceramic grains content improved snowmelt effectiveness. Considering the road performance of the specimens, a ceramic grains content of 40% was recommended. Furthermore, calcium chloride (CaCl₂) exhibited superior anti-icing performance compared to other snowmelt agents. Full article

This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the research trends in the field of the long-term skid resistance (L-TSR) of asphalt pavement (AP). In this paper, the detection method, decay model, influence factors, and prediction model of the L-TSR of AP are summarized. This paper quantitatively analyzes the skid resistance mechanism of the pavement and elucidates the existing problems and future development directions of the L-TSR of AP. The research indicates that digital image methods and intelligent sensor detection methods are important methods for the skid resistance detection of AP in the future. The indoor test can provide detailed data of material properties and can effectively evaluate the performance of anti-sliding materials under different environmental conditions by simulating the actual road conditions. A quantitative analysis of the skid mechanism of AP can better reflect the actual contact characteristics of the pavement. The combined prediction model combining multiple single models can not only correct the shortcomings of a single model but also greatly improve the calculation accuracy. At present, the research on the L-TSR of AP is insufficient in the aspects of the tire–pavement interaction mechanism, evaluation index, decay model, and combined prediction model, which needs to be further studied from quantitative, time-varying, unified, and innovative aspects. Full article

Winter road safety is significantly compromised by ice formation, leading to increased vehicular accidents due to reduced friction. Traditional anti-icing strategies, such as chemical deicers, present environmental and structural drawbacks, necessitating innovative solutions. This study evaluates methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resin composites for anti-icing and skid-resistant applications. These composites are particularly intended for application on asphalt and concrete pavements in urban roads, highways, and other high-traffic areas prone to icing during winter. MMA composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength of up to 10 MPa and compressive strength of 34 MPa under optimized formulations. These composites are specifically developed for application on asphalt and concrete pavements commonly found in urban roads, highways, and other high-traffic areas, where icing and skid resistance are critical challenges during winter conditions. Anti-icing performance was enhanced by incorporating additives like magnesium chloride hexahydrate, achieving a freezing point reduction to −12.9 °C and a heat of solution of 0.429 kJ/g. Laboratory tests revealed that increasing anti-icing additives reduced ice adhesion and melting time, with a trade-off in compressive strength, which decreased from 30 MPa (unmodified) to 16 MPa at higher additive concentrations. Skid resistance was improved through the addition of high-friction aggregates, ensuring durability under icy and wet conditions. These results highlight MMA composites as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional deicing methods, offering enhanced road safety and reduced environmental impact. Further research is recommended to optimize formulations and validate performance through field trials under varying climatic conditions. Full article

Colored polymer anti-skid thin layers are widely used on urban roads to enhance driving safety, improve road aesthetics, and mitigate the urban heat island effect. However, in thin layers constructed by the spreading method, the adhesion of cementitious material to the aggregate is often weak. This leads to early-stage spalling of surface aggregates, thereby reducing the anti-skid performance of the layer. To investigate the factors contributing to spalling, this study examines the embedding behavior of ceramic particles and assesses how the fluidity of the cementitious material and aggregate shape characteristics influence the embedding depth. Using a rotational viscosity test, it is concluded that a cementitious mix ratio of adhesive/powder filler/sand filler = 1:0.5:1 or 1:0.5:1.5 facilitates effective aggregate embedding. Testing the embedding depth of aggregates with the same particle size across different cementitious materials revealed that higher cementitious viscosity results in a reduced aggregate embedding depth. Geometric parameter data for aggregate particles were extensively collected using an image acquisition device, and quantitative analysis identified the shape characteristics influencing the embedding depth. A gray correlation analysis determined that the impact of the shape characteristics on embedding depth follows the order of roundness factor > prism factor > axial coefficient. Full article

The waterborne epoxy resin (WER) colored antiskid thin layer has been widely used in asphalt pavement to improve driving safety. The tectonic depth determines the antiskid performance of aparticle antiskid type thin layer. The spalling of aggregate from a thin layer may reduce the tectonic depth, thus damaging antiskid performance. The spreading process of aggregate on the WER binder surface plays an important role in the spalling behavior of the thin layer. Herein, the influence of spreading processes on the ceramic aggregate spalling behavior on the WER thin layer was investigated based on laboratory experiments. The abrasion and British Pendulum Number (BPN) tests were employed to evaluate the antispalling and antiskid properties of the WER thin layers with different amounts of WER mortar, coverage rates of first-spread aggregate, and spreading orders of coarse/fine aggregates. Moreover, the tectonic depths of the layers before/after the spalling test were also investigated. The results indicated that the optimal dosage of WER mortar is 2.8 kg/m². The WER thin layer exhibited better anti-striping property when coarse ceramic aggregate was spread first. The first-spread coverage rate of the aggregate on the WER surface is 70%. The thin layer exhibited a superior antispalling performance according to the resulting scheme, with a spalling rate of 3.77%. The tectonic depth only decreased from 1.87 to 1.80 mm after the spalling test. Full article

In this study, a wear-resistant ultra-thin wear layer was fabricated with polyurethane as an adhesive to investigate its durability for pavement applications. Its road performance was investigated based on indoor tests. First, the abrasion test was performed using a tire–pavement dynamic friction analyzer (TDFA), and the surface elevation information of the wear layer was obtained by laser profile scanning. The relationship between the anti-skid properties of the wear layer and the macro-texture was analyzed. Second, a Fourier infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope were employed to analyze the evolution of polyurethane aging properties in the pull-out test and accelerated ultraviolet (UV) aging test. The results showed that the mean profile depth (MPD), arithmetic mean wavelength of contour (λa), surface wear index (SBI), stage mass loss rate (σ), and total stage mass loss rate (ω) of the abrasive layer aggregate had significant multivariate quadratic polynomial relationships with the skidding performance of the abrasive layer. The tensile strength of the polyurethane ultra-thin abrasive layer decreased by only 2.59% after 16 days of UV aging, indicating a minimal effect of UV action on the aggregate and structural spalling of the polyurethane abrasive layer. Full article

Silica, as a high-quality reinforcing filler, can satisfy the requirements of high-performance green tread rubber with high wet-skid resistance, low rolling resistance, and low heat generation. However, the silica surface contains abundant silicon hydroxyl groups, resulting in a severe aggregation of silica particles in non-polar rubber matrix. Herein, we explored a carbon black (CB)/silica hybrid reinforcing strategy to prepare epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-based vulcanizates. Benefiting from the reaction and interaction between the epoxy groups on ENR chains and the silicon hydroxyl groups on silica surfaces, the dispersion uniformity of silica in the ENR matrix was significantly enhanced. Meanwhile, the silica can facilitate the dispersity and reinforcing effect of CB particles in the ENR matrix. By optimizing the CB/silica blending ratios, we realized high-performance ENR vulcanizates with simultaneously improved mechanical strength, wear resistance, resilience, anti-aging, and damping properties, as well as reduced heat generation and rolling resistance. For example, compared with ENR vulcanizates with only CB fillers, those with CB/silica hybrid fillers showed ~10% increase in tensile strength, ~20% increase in elongation at break, and ~20% increase in tensile retention rate. These results indicated that the ENR compounds reinforced with CB/silica hybrid fillers are a promising candidate for high-performance green tread rubber materials. Full article

To address the issue of insufficient durability of traditional modified emulsified asphalt in the application of cold mix and cold paving anti-skid wear layers, this study utilizes cationic waterborne polyurethane (PU+) for composite modification to enhance adhesion and performance across a range of temperatures. Initially, composite-modified emulsified asphalt samples were prepared with varying dosages of PU+ according to a gradient method. Routine performance tests were conducted on the evaporated residues for analysis. Advanced rheological tests, including temperature sweep (TS), frequency sweep (FS), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and multi-stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests, were performed using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Surface free energy (SFE) tests were conducted with a fully automated surface tension meter (STM). A comprehensive evaluation of the high-temperature rheological properties, fatigue properties, adhesion properties, and water damage resistance of the modified emulsified asphalt residues was carried out. Chemical changes before and after modification were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the distribution of polymers in the evaporated residue was observed using fluorescence microscopy (FM). The results demonstrated that cationic waterborne polyurethane significantly enhanced the fatigue and adhesion properties of SBS-modified emulsified asphalt, but it also weakened the water damage resistance of asphalt. MSCR tests revealed that the addition of cationic waterborne polyurethane might reduce the elastic recovery performance of modified asphalt, thereby weakening its resistance to rutting. Among the samples, the modified asphalt with a PU+ content of 6% exhibited good high-temperature shear resistance and elastic recovery performance, demonstrating the best anti-rutting performance. Full article

This study investigates the skid resistance performance of asphalt mixtures containing composite aggregates of basalt and limestone. The research aimed to predict the service life of the asphalt mixtures and identify the optimal basalt content for enhanced performance. Using an accelerated friction tester, friction indices such as the British pendulum number (BPN), mean texture depth (MTD), and dynamic friction coefficient (Dµ) were measured. The study conducted accelerated wear tests on mixtures with varying basalt contents under different water flow rates and loads. Results indicate that anti-skid performance decreased with increasing water flow, load, and wear cycles, initially showing a sharp decline followed by a gradual stabilization. Orthogonal experiments determined that basalt content had the most significant impact on skid resistance, followed by load and water flow rate. By converting skid resistance and MTD values into IFI values, a four-area diagram was created to illustrate skid resistance deterioration. The four-area IFI diagram also demonstrated that higher basalt content significantly enhances the skid resistance and service life of asphalt mixtures. Cost analysis based on life prediction showed that a 40% basalt content mixture is cost effective while maintaining excellent skid resistance. A test section study further validated that a 40% basalt content ensures good skid resistance, with indoor test predictions aligning closely with field data. Although the test section has been operational for only two years, ongoing monitoring will provide further insights into long-term skid resistance performance. Full article