Long-term performance of temperature and humidity in the road embankment constructed with recycled construction and demolition wastes

Abstract

Variations in temperature and humidity can affect the mechanical performance of embankments and pavement structures. Investigating the long-term performance of temperature and humidity in the road embankment is necessary for assessing the stability and safety of highways. The long-term temperature and humidity field of highway embankment constructed with recycled construction and demolition wastes (CDW) was monitored in this study. Long-term characteristics of temperature and humidity field below the pavement at various locations were analyzed in detail. It is found that the change in temperature and humidity for a specific location in the road embankment constructed with CDW follows a sinusoidal function over time. Compared with the arch slope section, the humidity of embankment constructed with CDW is more stable at the barricade section. Further, the correlation analysis between temperature and humidity in the road embankment constructed with CDW indicates that the temperature can promote the development of humidity with an approximate depth from the road surface. Accurately mastering the evolution law and distribution of embankment temperature field and humidity field is of great significance for accurately evaluating the stability of the road, prolonging the service life of the road and improving driving safety.