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Search Results (841)

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Keywords = pavement assessment

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19 pages, 30180 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Distributed Hydrologic Modeling to Assess Coastal Highway Vulnerability to High Water Tables
by Bruno Jose de Oliveira Sousa, Luiz M. Morgado and Jose G. Vasconcelos
Water 2025, 17(15), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152327 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Due to increased precipitation intensity and sea-level rise, low-lying coastal roads are increasingly vulnerable to subbase saturation. Widely applied lumped hydrological approaches cannot accurately represent time and space-varying groundwater levels in some highly conductive coastal soils, calling for more sophisticated tools. This study [...] Read more.
Due to increased precipitation intensity and sea-level rise, low-lying coastal roads are increasingly vulnerable to subbase saturation. Widely applied lumped hydrological approaches cannot accurately represent time and space-varying groundwater levels in some highly conductive coastal soils, calling for more sophisticated tools. This study assesses the suitability of the Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis model (GSSHA) for representing hydrological processes and groundwater dynamics in a unique coastal roadway setting in Alabama. A high-resolution model was developed to assess a 2 km road segment and was calibrated for hydraulic conductivity and aquifer bottom levels using observed groundwater level (GWL) data. The model configuration included a fixed groundwater tidal boundary representing Mobile Bay, a refined land cover classification, and an extreme precipitation event simulation representing Hurricane Sally. Results indicated good agreement between modeled and observed groundwater levels, particularly during short-duration high-intensity events, with NSE values reaching up to 0.83. However, the absence of dynamic tidal forcing limited its ability to replicate certain fine-scale groundwater fluctuations. During the Hurricane Sally simulation, over two-thirds of the segment remained saturated for over 6 h, and some locations exceeded 48 h of pavement saturation. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating shallow groundwater processes in hydrologic modeling for coastal roads. This replicable modeling framework may assist DOTs in identifying critical roadway segments to improve drainage infrastructure in order to increase resiliency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Hazards and Disaster Risks Reduction, 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 2929 KiB  
Article
Comparative Performance Analysis of Gene Expression Programming and Linear Regression Models for IRI-Based Pavement Condition Index Prediction
by Mostafa M. Radwan, Majid Faissal Jassim, Samir A. B. Al-Jassim, Mahmoud M. Elnahla and Yasser A. S. Gamal
Eng 2025, 6(8), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6080183 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 65
Abstract
Traditional Pavement Condition Index (PCI) assessments are highly resource-intensive, demanding substantial time and labor while generating significant carbon emissions through extensive field operations. To address these sustainability challenges, this research presents an innovative methodology utilizing Gene Expression Programming (GEP) to determine PCI values [...] Read more.
Traditional Pavement Condition Index (PCI) assessments are highly resource-intensive, demanding substantial time and labor while generating significant carbon emissions through extensive field operations. To address these sustainability challenges, this research presents an innovative methodology utilizing Gene Expression Programming (GEP) to determine PCI values based on International Roughness Index (IRI) measurements from Iraqi road networks, offering an environmentally conscious and resource-efficient approach to pavement management. The study incorporated 401 samples of IRI and PCI data through comprehensive visual inspection procedures. The developed GEP model exhibited exceptional predictive performance, with coefficient of determination (R2) values achieving 0.821 for training, 0.858 for validation, and 0.8233 overall, successfully accounting for approximately 82–85% of PCI variance. Prediction accuracy remained robust with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) values of 12–13 units and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 11.209 and 11.00 for training and validation sets, respectively. The lower validation RMSE suggests effective generalization without overfitting. Strong correlations between predicted and measured values exceeded 0.90, with acceptable relative absolute error values ranging from 0.403 to 0.387, confirming model effectiveness. Comparative analysis reveals GEP outperforms alternative regression methods in generalization capacity, particularly in real-world applications. This sustainable methodology represents a cost-effective alternative to conventional PCI evaluation, significantly reducing environmental impact through decreased field operations, lower fuel consumption, and minimized traffic disruption. By streamlining pavement management while maintaining assessment reliability and accuracy, this approach supports environmentally responsible transportation systems and aligns contemporary sustainability goals in infrastructure management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical, Civil and Environmental Engineering)
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17 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Rubberized Warm-Mix Asphalt Pavements: A Cradle-to-Gate Plus Maintenance Approach
by Ana María Rodríguez-Alloza and Daniel Garraín
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080899 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
In response to the escalating climate crisis, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) has become a top priority for both the public and private sectors. The pavement industry plays a key role in this transition, offering innovative technologies that minimize environmental impacts without compromising [...] Read more.
In response to the escalating climate crisis, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) has become a top priority for both the public and private sectors. The pavement industry plays a key role in this transition, offering innovative technologies that minimize environmental impacts without compromising performance. Among these, the incorporation of recycled tire rubber and warm-mix asphalt (WMA) additives represents a promising strategy to reduce energy consumption and resource depletion in road construction. This study conducts a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of an asphalt pavement incorporating recycled rubber and a WMA additive—referred to as R-W asphalt—against a conventional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement. The analysis follows the ISO 14040/44 standards, covering material production, transport, construction, and maintenance. Two service-life scenarios are considered: one assuming equivalent durability and another with a five-year extension for the R-W pavement. The results demonstrate environmental impact reductions of up to 57%, with average savings ranging from 32% to 52% across key impact categories such as climate change, land use, and resource use. These benefits are primarily attributed to lower production temperatures and extended maintenance intervals. The findings underscore the potential of R-W asphalt as a cleaner engineering solution aligned with circular economy principles and climate mitigation goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Protection of Pavements: New Perspectives and Applications)
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28 pages, 9076 KiB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of Waste Toner and Recycled LDPE-Modified Asphalt Pavement: A Mechanical and Carbon Assessment-Based Optimization Approach Towards Sustainability
by Muhammad Usman Siddiq, Muhammad Kashif Anwar, Faris H. Almansour, Jahanzeb Javed and Muhammad Ahmed Qurashi
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7003; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157003 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 227
Abstract
Due to the increasing environmental concerns and the growing generation of electronic waste and plastic, sustainable waste management solutions are essential for the construction industry. This study explores the potential of using electronic waste toner powder (WTP) and recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE), either [...] Read more.
Due to the increasing environmental concerns and the growing generation of electronic waste and plastic, sustainable waste management solutions are essential for the construction industry. This study explores the potential of using electronic waste toner powder (WTP) and recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE), either individually or in combination as modifiers for asphalt binder to enhance pavement performance and reduce environmental impact. The analysis focused on three key components: (1) binder development and testing; (2) performance evaluation through Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) testing for rutting resistance; and (3) sustainability assessment in terms of carbon footprint reduction. The results revealed that the formulation of 25% WTP and 8% LDPE processed at 160 °C achieved the best mechanical performance and lowest carbon index, enhancing Marshall stability by 32% and rutting resistance by 41%. Additionally, this formulation reduced the carbon footprint by 27% compared to conventional asphalt. The study demonstrated that the combination of WTP and LDPE significantly improves the sustainability and performance of asphalt pavements, offering mechanical, environmental, and economic benefits. By providing a quantitative assessment of waste-modified asphalt, this study uniquely demonstrates the combined use of WTP and LDPE in asphalt, offering a novel dual-waste valorization approach that enhances pavement performance while promoting circular economy practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Asphalt Materials and Pavement Engineering)
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37 pages, 1664 KiB  
Review
Mining Waste in Asphalt Pavements: A Critical Review of Waste Rock and Tailings Applications
by Adeel Iqbal, Nuha S. Mashaan and Themelina Paraskeva
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080402 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 175
Abstract
This paper presents a critical and comprehensive review of the application of mining waste, specifically waste rock and tailings, in asphalt pavements, with the aim of synthesizing performance outcomes and identifying key research gaps. A systematic literature search yielded a final dataset of [...] Read more.
This paper presents a critical and comprehensive review of the application of mining waste, specifically waste rock and tailings, in asphalt pavements, with the aim of synthesizing performance outcomes and identifying key research gaps. A systematic literature search yielded a final dataset of 41 peer-reviewed articles for detailed analysis. Bibliometric analysis indicates a notable upward trend in annual publications, reflecting growing academic and practical interest in this field. Performance-based evaluations demonstrate that mining wastes, particularly iron and copper tailings, have the potential to enhance the high-temperature performance (i.e., rutting resistance) of asphalt binders and mixtures when utilized as fillers or aggregates. However, their effects on fatigue life, low-temperature cracking, and moisture susceptibility are inconsistent, largely influenced by the physicochemical properties and dosage of the specific waste material. Despite promising results, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly in relation to long-term durability, comprehensive environmental and economic Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA), and the inherent variability of waste materials. This review underscores the substantial potential of mining wastes as sustainable alternatives to conventional pavement materials, while emphasizing the need for further multidisciplinary research to support their broader implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Asphalt Composite Materials)
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27 pages, 565 KiB  
Review
Review of the Use of Waste Materials in Rigid Airport Pavements: Opportunities, Benefits and Implementation
by Loretta Newton-Hoare, Sean Jamieson and Greg White
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156959 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 152
Abstract
The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining safety and performance standards. One promising area for improvement lies in the use of sustainable materials in airport infrastructure. One of the issues preventing uptake of emerging sustainable technologies [...] Read more.
The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining safety and performance standards. One promising area for improvement lies in the use of sustainable materials in airport infrastructure. One of the issues preventing uptake of emerging sustainable technologies is the lack of guidance relating to the opportunities, potential benefits, associated risks and an implementation plan specific to airport pavements. This research reviewed opportunities to incorporate waste materials into rigid airport pavements, focusing on concrete base slabs. Commonly used supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were considered, as well as recycled aggregates, including recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), recycled crushed glass (RCG), and blast furnace slag (BFS). Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were also used to quantify the potential for environmental benefit associated with various concrete mixtures, with findings showing 23% to 50% reductions in embodied carbon are possible for selected theoretical concrete mixtures that incorporate waste materials. With considered evaluation and structured implementation, the integration of waste materials into rigid airport pavements offers a practical and effective route to improve environmental outcomes in aviation infrastructure. It was concluded that a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework—assessing financial, environmental, and social factors—guides material selection and can support sustainable decision-making, as does performance-based specifications that enable sustainable technologies to be incorporated into airport pavement. The study also proposed a consequence-based implementation hierarchy to facilitate responsible adoption of waste materials in airside pavements. The outcomes of this review will assist airport managers and pavement designers to implement practical changes to achieve more sustainable rigid airport pavements in the future. Full article
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35 pages, 10235 KiB  
Article
GIS-Driven Spatial Planning for Resilient Communities: Walkability, Social Cohesion, and Green Infrastructure in Peri-Urban Jordan
by Sara Al-Zghoul and Majd Al-Homoud
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146637 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Amman’s rapid population growth and sprawling urbanization have resulted in car-centric, fragmented neighborhoods that lack social cohesion and are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study reframes walkability as a climate adaptation strategy, demonstrating how pedestrian-oriented spatial planning can reduce vehicle [...] Read more.
Amman’s rapid population growth and sprawling urbanization have resulted in car-centric, fragmented neighborhoods that lack social cohesion and are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study reframes walkability as a climate adaptation strategy, demonstrating how pedestrian-oriented spatial planning can reduce vehicle emissions, mitigate urban heat island effects, and enhance the resilience of green infrastructure in peri-urban contexts. Using Deir Ghbar, a rapidly developing marginal area on Amman’s western edge, as a case study, we combine objective walkability metrics (street connectivity and residential and retail density) with GIS-based spatial regression analysis to examine relationships with residents’ sense of community. Employing a quantitative, correlational research design, we assess walkability using a composite objective walkability index, calculated from the land-use mix, street connectivity, retail density, and residential density. Our results reveal that higher residential density and improved street connectivity significantly strengthen social cohesion, whereas low-density zones reinforce spatial and socioeconomic disparities. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of targeted green infrastructure interventions, such as continuous street tree canopies and permeable pavements, to enhance pedestrian comfort and urban ecological functions. By visualizing spatial patterns and correlating built-environment attributes with community outcomes, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners. These strategies contribute directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by fostering more inclusive, connected, and climate-resilient neighborhoods. Deir Ghbar emerges as a model for scalable, GIS-driven spatial planning in rural and marginal peri-urban areas throughout Jordan and similar regions facing accelerated urban transitions. By correlating walkability metrics with community outcomes, this study operationalizes SDGs 11 and 13, offering a replicable framework for climate-resilient urban planning in arid regions. Full article
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19 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based Highway Pavement Performance Prediction in Xinjiang
by Qi Yang, Wei Tian and Xiaomin Dai
Infrastructures 2025, 10(7), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10070189 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Assessing highway pavement condition is crucial for ensuring transportation safety and optimizing infrastructure maintenance. In Xinjiang, China, extreme climatic and traffic conditions pose significant challenges to pavement performance. This study introduces a machine-learning-based framework to predict asphalt pavement performance in Xinjiang. We integrate [...] Read more.
Assessing highway pavement condition is crucial for ensuring transportation safety and optimizing infrastructure maintenance. In Xinjiang, China, extreme climatic and traffic conditions pose significant challenges to pavement performance. This study introduces a machine-learning-based framework to predict asphalt pavement performance in Xinjiang. We integrate various factors (design, materials, environment, traffic, and maintenance) into regression models, creating a region-specific pavement performance decay model. Our data preprocessing methodology effectively addresses outliers and missing data, ensuring the model’s robustness. The findings offer insights into asphalt pavement behavior in Xinjiang and provide guidance for maintenance strategies. The proposed model enhances highway infrastructure safety and cost-effectiveness. Future research will focus on refining the model with more data and exploring complex variable interactions. Full article
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26 pages, 5094 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment of Low-Carbon Transition in Asphalt Pavement Maintenance: A Multi-Scale Case Study Under China’s Dual-Carbon Target
by Luyao Zhang, Wei Tian, Bobin Wang and Xiaomin Dai
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146540 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Against the backdrop of China’s “dual-carbon” initiative, this study innovatively applies a process-based life cycle assessment (PLCA) methodology, meticulously tracking energy and carbon flows across material production, transportation, and maintenance processes. By comparing six asphalt pavement maintenance technologies in Xinjiang, the research reveals [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of China’s “dual-carbon” initiative, this study innovatively applies a process-based life cycle assessment (PLCA) methodology, meticulously tracking energy and carbon flows across material production, transportation, and maintenance processes. By comparing six asphalt pavement maintenance technologies in Xinjiang, the research reveals that milling and resurfacing (MR) exhibits the highest energy consumption 250,809 MJ/103 m2) and carbon emissions (15,095.67 kg CO2/103 m2), while preventive techniques like hot asphalt grouting reduce emissions by up to 87%. The PLCA approach uncovers a critical insight: 40–60% of total emissions originate from the raw material production phase, with cement and asphalt identified as primary contributors. This granular analysis, unique in regional road maintenance research, challenges traditional assumptions and emphasizes the necessity of upstream intervention. By contrasting reactive and preventive strategies, the study validates that early-stage maintenance aligns seamlessly with circular economy principles. Tailored to a local arid climate and vast transportation network, the study concludes that prioritizing preventive maintenance, adopting low-carbon materials, and optimizing logistics can significantly decarbonize road infrastructure. These region-specific strategies, underpinned by the novel application of PLCA, not only provide actionable guidance for local policymakers but also offer a replicable framework for sustainable road development worldwide, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical decarbonization efforts. Full article
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24 pages, 5824 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Highway Pavement Structural Conditions Based on Measured Crack Morphology by 3D GPR and Finite Element Modeling
by Zhonglu Cao, Dianguang Cao, Haolei Chang, Yaoguo Fu, Xiyuan Shen, Weiping Huang, Huiping Wang, Wanlu Bao, Chao Feng, Zheng Tong, Xiaopeng Lin and Weiguang Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143336 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Structural cracks are internal distresses that cannot be observed from pavement surfaces. However, the existing evaluation methods for asphalt pavement structures lack the consideration of these cracks, which are crucial for accurate pavement assessment and effective maintenance planning. This study develops a novel [...] Read more.
Structural cracks are internal distresses that cannot be observed from pavement surfaces. However, the existing evaluation methods for asphalt pavement structures lack the consideration of these cracks, which are crucial for accurate pavement assessment and effective maintenance planning. This study develops a novel framework combining a three-dimensional (3D) ground penetrating radar (GPR) and finite element modeling (FEM) to evaluate the severity of structural cracks. First, the size and depth development of structural cracks on a four-layer asphalt pavement were determined using the 3D GPR. Then, the range of influence of the structural crack on structural bearing capacity was analyzed based on 3D FEM simulation model. Structural cracks have a distance-dependent diminishing influence on the deflection in the horizontal direction, with the most pronounced effects within a 20-cm width zone surrounding the cracks. Finally, two indices have been proposed: the pavement structural crack index (PSCI) to assess the depth of crack damage and the structural crack reflection ratio (SCRR) to evaluate surface reflection. Besides, PSCI and SCRR are used to classify the severities of structural cracks: none, low, and high. The threshold between none/low damage is a structural crack damage rate of 0.19%, and the threshold between low/high damage is 0.663%. An experiment on a 132-km expressway indicated that the proposed method achieved 94.4% accuracy via coring. The results also demonstrate the strong correlation between PSCI and pavement deflection (R2 = 0.92), supporting performance-based maintenance strategies. The results also demonstrate the correlation between structural and surface cracks, with 65.8% of the cracked sections having both structural and surface cracks. Full article
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25 pages, 1049 KiB  
Review
The Occurrence and Removal of Microplastics from Stormwater Using Green Infrastructure
by Anna Kwarciak-Kozłowska and Magdalena Madeła
Water 2025, 17(14), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142089 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 684
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are becoming an increasingly common pollutant in the aquatic environment, including stormwater. This is a serious problem, as stormwater is becoming an essential transport route for MPs from urban areas to surface waters. Rainwater flowing from roofs, roads, and other impermeable [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) are becoming an increasingly common pollutant in the aquatic environment, including stormwater. This is a serious problem, as stormwater is becoming an essential transport route for MPs from urban areas to surface waters. Rainwater flowing from roofs, roads, and other impermeable surfaces contains a variety of plastic particles originating from tire abrasion or waste disposal. This article presents an overview of current research on the occurrence of MPs in stormwater. The potential of selected green infrastructure solutions—particularly bioretention systems, constructed wetlands, and permeable pavements—for their reduction is assessed. Individual solutions present how the change in filter material, selection of vegetation, or the method of conducting the process (e.g., direction of stormwater flow in constructed wetlands) affects their effectiveness. The potential of green infrastructure is also compared with the traditional gray solution of sewage management in cities. This article emphasizes the importance of integrating such solutions in spatial planning as an effective tool to combat climate change and limit the spread of microplastics in the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods in Wastewater and Stormwater Treatment)
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49 pages, 11671 KiB  
Review
Fatigue Failure Criteria of Asphalt Binders and Asphalt Mixtures: A Comprehensive Review
by Shizhan Xu, Zhigang Zhao, Honglei Wang, Chenguang Wan, Xiaofeng Wang, Zhenjun Wang and Xuanrui Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143267 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
This study presents a systematic review of fatigue analysis methodologies and failure criteria for asphalt binders and mixtures employed in various cyclic fatigue testing configurations. The investigation focuses on two principal predictive approaches: phenomenological models and mechanistic frameworks, which are commonly utilized to [...] Read more.
This study presents a systematic review of fatigue analysis methodologies and failure criteria for asphalt binders and mixtures employed in various cyclic fatigue testing configurations. The investigation focuses on two principal predictive approaches: phenomenological models and mechanistic frameworks, which are commonly utilized to forecast asphalt pavement fatigue life based on experimental data from different fatigue tests. A critical evaluation is conducted on the diverse failure criteria integrated within these analytical approaches, with particular emphasis on their respective merits and limitations. The current research findings reveal a notable absence of consensus regarding the precise definition of the fatigue failure criteria for asphalt materials. Furthermore, critical parameters including accuracy assessment, reliability verification, and sensitivity analysis of these failure criteria are identified as requiring enhanced research attention. This review recommends specific fatigue failure criteria classified according to fatigue testing methods and material types. This comprehensive analysis of fatigue failure mechanisms in asphalt composites aims to inform strategic refinements for future research trajectories and enhance durability-oriented pavement design practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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16 pages, 4138 KiB  
Article
Bridging NDT and Laboratory Testing in an Airfield Pavement Structural Evaluation
by Angeliki Armeni
NDT 2025, 3(3), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ndt3030017 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
The accurate assessment of the structural condition of airfield pavements is of paramount importance to airport authorities as it determines the planning of maintenance activities. On this basis, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques provide a powerful tool to assess the mechanical properties of the [...] Read more.
The accurate assessment of the structural condition of airfield pavements is of paramount importance to airport authorities as it determines the planning of maintenance activities. On this basis, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques provide a powerful tool to assess the mechanical properties of the individual layers of the pavement. However, information from laboratory testing of cores taken from the pavement is expected to provide a more accurate assessment of material properties. Against this background, the present research aims to investigate the accuracy of the mechanical properties of in-situ layers derived from NDT data and the associated back-calculation procedures for airfield pavements, where higher pavement thicknesses are usually required due to the high aircraft loads, while few similar studies have been conducted compared to road pavements. For this reason, the assessment of the structural condition of a flexible runway pavement is presented. The analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between the moduli estimated in the laboratory and the moduli estimated by back-calculation. Furthermore, the back-calculated moduli appear to lead to a conservative approach in assessing the structural condition of the pavement. This conservatism promotes a more proactive pavement management by airport authorities. Full article
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23 pages, 5228 KiB  
Article
From Conventional to Electrified Pavements: A Structural Modeling Approach for Spanish Roads
by Gustavo Boada-Parra, Ronny Romero, Federico Gulisano, Freddy Apaza-Apaza, Damaris Cubilla, Andrea Serpi, Rafael Jurado-Piña and Juan Gallego
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070801 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
The accelerated growth of the transport sector has increased oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, intensifying global environmental challenges. The electrification of transportation has emerged as a key strategy to achieve sustainability targets, with electric vehicles (EVs) expected to account for 50% [...] Read more.
The accelerated growth of the transport sector has increased oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, intensifying global environmental challenges. The electrification of transportation has emerged as a key strategy to achieve sustainability targets, with electric vehicles (EVs) expected to account for 50% of global car sales by 2035. However, widespread adoption requires smart infrastructure capable of enabling dynamic in-motion charging. In this context, Electric Road Systems (ERSs), particularly those based on Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies, offer a promising solution by transferring energy between road-embedded transmitters and vehicle-mounted receivers. This study assesses the structural response and service life of conventional and electrified asphalt pavement sections representative of the Spanish road network. Several standard pavement configurations were analyzed under heavy traffic (dual axles, 13 tons) using a hybrid approach combining mechanistic–empirical multilayer modeling and three-dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. The electrified designs integrate prefabricated charging units (CUs) placed at a 9 cm depth, disrupting the structural continuity of the pavement. The results reveal stress concentrations at the CU–asphalt interface and service life reductions of up to 50% in semiflexible pavements. Semirigid sections performed better, with average reductions close to 40%. These findings are based on numerical simulations of standard Spanish sections and do not include experimental validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research in Asphalt and Pavement Materials)
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18 pages, 3740 KiB  
Article
Study on the Strength and Mechanism Analysis of Coarse Aggregate Reactive Powder Concrete
by Xiuhong Hao, Haichuan Jia, Guangyao Ding, Xianxian Kong and Xianghe Meng
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132327 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 338
Abstract
The demand for super-tall buildings and long-span bridges has driven concrete development toward higher strength and durability. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of composition of materials (aggregates, admixtures, and steel fibers) on the mechanical performance and economic feasibility of coarse aggregate reactive [...] Read more.
The demand for super-tall buildings and long-span bridges has driven concrete development toward higher strength and durability. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of composition of materials (aggregates, admixtures, and steel fibers) on the mechanical performance and economic feasibility of coarse aggregate reactive powder concrete (CA-RPC). The goal is to identify optimal combinations for both performance and cost. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pore structure analysis were used to assess microstructural characteristics. The results demonstrated that replacing quartz sand with yellow sand as the fine aggregate in CA-RPC effectively reduced construction costs without compromising compressive strength. The use of basalt as the coarse aggregate led to higher mechanical strength compared to limestone. Incorporating 20% fly ash reduced the 7-day compressive strength, while the 28-day strength remained unaffected. The addition of 10% silica fume showed no obvious effect on the early strength but significantly improved the 28-day strength and workability of the concrete. Moreover, the incorporation of steel fibers improved the flexural strength and structural integrity of CA-RPC, shifting the failure mode from brittle fracture to a more ductile cracking behavior. SEM observations and pore structure analyses revealed that the admixtures altered the hydration products and pore distribution, thereby affecting the mechanical performance. This study provides valuable insights into the strength development and underlying mechanisms of CA-RPC, offering a theoretical basis for its practical application in bridge deck pavement and tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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