Road Pavement Research Articles

Mechanical investigation of polypropylene fibre regenerated brick aggregate concrete and its application in township road pavement

ABSTRACT Polypropylene reinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete (PPFRBAC) is an environmentally friendly building material suitable for township roads, aligning with the goals of energy conservation and emission reduction. In this study, we investigated the effects of polypropylene fibre content and recycled brick aggregate substitution rate on PPFRBAC through 15 specimen groups, developing formulas to determine mechanical strength and Young's modulus. Based on established standards, we determined the acceptable ratios and conducted 140 numerical simulations under traffic load and negative temperature gradient conditions in cold regions. Considering fatigue damage during service life, we confirmed the material's suitability. Using life cycle assessment, we proposed reasonable slab dimensions and mix ratios from an environmental perspective. Results indicate that polypropylene fibre mitigates the adverse effects of recycled brick aggregate on strength, and our predictive model closely matches experimental findings, with an average relative error of less than 15%. Under combined traffic load and negative temperature gradient conditions, tensile stress can lead to fatigue failure. A conventional PPFRBAC slab should have a minimum thickness of 20 cm. Our multi-dimensional approach ensures high reliability in engineering practice.

Evaluating the structural performance of eRoad pavements: impact of inductive charging coils on mechanical behaviour

Electric Road Systems (ERS) are pivotal in advancing Electric Vehicle (EV) technology by enabling dynamic wireless charging through integrated elements in roadway infrastructure. These systems extend EV range and reduce the need for frequent recharging, while supporting smaller batteries. In contactless ERS, inductive coils are embedded in pavement layers, leaving the road surface unaltered, unlike ground-based conductive systems. However, the long-term effects of embedded coils on the mechanical response and integrity of pavement structures, particularly under Canadian climatic and traffic conditions, remain underexplored. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of electrified road (eRoad) pavements with inductive coils, compared to traditional pavements (tRoad). Sensor-based monitoring assessed the performance of three full-scale pavement structures (two eRoad and one tRoad) built at Laval University's accelerated pavement test facility, under varying loads and environmental conditions. Results show different strain distribution in eRoad pavement, suggesting possible bonding issues between coil casing material and asphalt concrete.

Comparing one-way sideswipe crash treatments on curved multilane roads: Estimating accident modification factor for partial physical lane separation treatment

Road crashes are more prevalent on curved road sections compared to straight, multilane, one-directional sections. This study focuses on a driving behavior known as "curve-cutting," a major cause of sideswipe crashes. To address this issue, the study evaluates the perceived effectiveness of partial physical lane separation treatments (PPLSTs) within the road pavement layer in Lebanon. Three types of PPLSTs were introduced: raised pavement markers (RPM), transverse rumble strips (TRS), and scratched asphalt surfaces (SAS). A questionnaire survey assessed the perceived effectiveness of PPLSTs on driving behavior and identified the main causes of crashes on curved road sections. Results indicate that combined high-speed and reduced-attention driving, followed by high-speed driving alone, are the primary causes of crashes. Most respondents perceive TRS as the most effective solution, followed by SAS. These findings are used in a multicriteria decision analysis to preliminarily estimate the accident modification factors (AMF) for the PPLSTs. The preliminary estimated AMF values for TRS and SAS are less than 0.94 and 0.67, respectively. The results are crucial for developing targeted road safety measures and policies, providing insights for implementing artificial intelligence algorithms in autonomous vehicles.

Advancing smart transportation: A review of computer vision and photogrammetry in learning-based dimensional road pavement defect detection

Advancing smart transportation: A review of computer vision and photogrammetry in learning-based dimensional road pavement defect detection

Deploying machine learning for long-term road pavement moisture prediction: A case study from Queensland, Australia

Deploying machine learning for long-term road pavement moisture prediction: A case study from Queensland, Australia

A Global Attention Mechanism-Based EfficientNet Model for Road Pavement-Type Identification

Accurate pavement-type recognition remains a critical challenge for intelligent transportation systems. However, the general CNN-based methods, such as ResNet and VGG, exhibit significant limitations when addressing the high degree of similarity between surface modifications and dissimilar pavements caused by changes in illumination or partial shading. To address the challenges posed by complex texture variations and surface modifications across road pavements, in this study, an enhanced method for pavement-type identification is proposed. First, an application-oriented dataset encompassing seven pavement types is constructed based on existing open-source road surface classification datasets. Secondly, the EfficientNet-Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) model is developed through the integration of a GAM module into the EfficientNet architecture. Within this model, the GAM module undergoes a process where it synergistically refines channel–spatial features, utilizing 3D permutation and multilayer perceptron operations. This enables the effective isolation of discriminative patterns, such as crack density, from complex backgrounds. Then, to mitigate inter-class confusion, a label smoothing strategy is implemented, while cosine learning rate decay is employed to ensure stable convergence during training. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves high-precision recognition of various pavement types, with an accuracy rate of 98.11%, while simultaneously maintaining computational efficiency.

Study on Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Fly Ash and Lime

Abstract: Expansive soil covers over 51.8 million hectares of land area in India (mainly Black Cotton soil). The basic trait of these expansive soils is that they are highly hard while dry but lose all of their strength when wet. Because of this attribute of expansive soils, these soils provide issues all around the world that geotechnical engineers must address. Soil stabilization, which is frequently utilised in foundation and road pavement constructions, is one of the most significant features for construction purposes; this is because such a stabilization regime increases engineering qualities of the soil, such as volume stability, strength, and durability. The problematic soil is removed or replaced throughout this operation is completed;The current study attempts to stabilise black cotton soil from Shivnath River Pulgaon Durg Bhilai utilizing fly ash sourced from JayPee Cement Limited Bhilai . Expansive soils are stabilized using different quantities of this Mixture, such as 10%, 20%, 25% . Because fly ash has no plastic characteristic, the plasticity index (P.I.) of clay-fly ash mixtures decreases in value as the fly ash component increases. Finally, the addition of fly ash reduces the flexibility of the expanding soil while increasing its workability by modifying its grain size and colloidal response. 3 trials of different composition are prepared and tested.

The effect of activator ratio and concentration molarity to setting time of geopolymer binder with umeanyar slate stone powder precursor

In this research, the initial and final setting times will be measured on a geopolymer binder made from Umeanyar slate stone powder. Geopolymer binder is a geosynthetic binder that uses materials that are not derived from cement. The basic material for this binder is obtained from waste from the stone crushing industry in the Jembrana area. So far, this slate stone waste has only been used as a filler for road pavement. To increase the economic value of this waste, in this research, a geopolymer binder will be made with an alkaline activator consisting of sodium silicate (SS) and sodium hydroxide (SH) with varying activator ratios and varying molarity concentrations. There are 3 variations of activator (SS/SH), namely 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1, while variations in molarity concentration are 8M, 10M, and 12 M. The fastest initial and final setting time occurred at activator ratio of 2:1 (12 M), namely 136 minutes and 243 minutes.

Assessing the conductive and thermoresistive behaviours of asphalt mixtures incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS)

Electrically conductive asphalt mixtures are stimuli-responsive materials that can undergo changes in their electrical properties under external stimuli such as strain, damage and temperature. These kinds of self-sensing materials can be used for traffic monitoring and pavement health monitoring. The present research aims at assessing the conductive and temperature sensing performance of asphalt mixtures with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS). EAFS was used to replace fine aggregates in the asphalt mixtures, while GNPs were added in different content, ranging between 1 and 7% by weight of the bitumen. The percolation mechanism occurs for a GNPs content between 1.25 and 2%. GNPs+EAFS asphalt mixtures exhibited an excellent thermoresistive behaviour, meaning that these kinds of composites can be used for temperature-sensing purposes. The findings of the paper can be utilised for optimising the design of conductive asphalt materials, enabling intelligent monitoring of road pavements over time.

Mapping of Road Pavement Conditions on the Cikampak Cicadas to the Segog Pamijahan Road Section

Roads are one of the land transportation infrastructures that have a vital role in supporting community activities. Road damage is often encountered in various places. If left unchecked, handling road damage will cost a lot. The purpose of this study is to identify the type and extent of damage from road pavement and drainage in the study area, as well as determine handling recommendations for road pavement using the Bina Marga method. The method used is the Bina Marga method and the main output of this method is the value of the Priority Order (UP) and the recommendation for handling the observed road. The results of the study showed that the most common type of damage encountered at the study site was elongated cracks with a total area of 582.44m2, and lateral cracks were damages with the smallest total area, which was 6.27 m2. The value of road condition obtained from summing the number of damage in each segment showed that the condition value of 7 was mostly owned by the road segments at the research site, namely 18 segments, while the condition values 3 and 6 were only owned by 1 segment. Recommendations for handling the east side drainage were obtained as a result that 27 segments require routine maintenance, 18 segments require periodic maintenance and 10 segments require addition to the drainage system. The drainage on the west side was obtained as a result of 35 road segments requiring routine maintenance, 14 road segments requiring periodic maintenance and 6 road segments requiring addition to the drainage system. The recommendations for handling on the road were obtained as a result that 10 road segments require routine maintenance, 26 road segments require periodic maintenance and 19 road segments require improvement with the required handling costs of Rp 39,857,105, Rp 302,529,219 and Rp 1,719,020,425 respectively.

Richard Filčák and Daniel Škobla, eds. 2022. Odpad ako sociálny problém vo vylúčených rómskych osídleniach [Waste as a social problem in marginalised Romani settlements]. Bratislava: Center for Social and Psychological Sciences at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology.

In Slovakia, an overwhelming majority of Romani communities live on the periphery of society. Romani settlements lack basic infrastructure such as access to water and sanitation or paved roads. They are most often confined to segregated areas, located on land unsuitable for habitation – on a steep hill, in a flood risk area, next to a waste dump or a big factory and so on. Is this a coincidence? The authors of the publication Odpad ako sociálny problém vo vylúčených rómskych osídleniach (Waste as a social problem in marginalized Romani settlements) published by the Centre for Social and Psychological Sciences at the Slovak Academy of Sciences think otherwise.

Improvement of Road Pavement Sustainability. Case Study Application

Road infrastructure has an important role in the transportation system by connecting communities, ensuring a crucial contribution to economic development and important social benefits. They have vital importance in sustainable cities and bring the most important economic and social benefits to all public assets. This paper describes the design process of pavement improvement of old Albanian roads by using geogrid or geotextile material and presents the data information gathered findings, and conclusions that can be drawn. The case of study is the rehabilitation design of Fier-Seman old road. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation AASHTO standards methods have been used to design pavement system rehabilitation depending upon the existing condition and improving the bearing capacity performance. This method includes consideration of the following items: pavement performance, traffic volume and composition, roadbed soil, properties of materials for construction, drainage, environment, reliability, and life-cycle costs.

A comprehensive review of the performance of pine needle geotextiles in reinforced subgrade pavement for sustainable road construction and maintenance.

Road infrastructure has short pavement lifespans and subgrade instability, requiring costly maintenance. This study looks at using high-elevation pine needles as a sustainable geotextile to improve construction and management. Benefits of this approach include the use of a readily available natural resource, cost effectiveness, and a lower environmental impact than more conventional materials like asphalt. The geotextiles are made using the natural fibers intrinsic qualities and are made from hand-picked pine needles that are chosen according to temperature, soil type, and altitude. Durability is increased by the moisture and UV resistance provided by the natural pine resin. In the production process, the pine needles are braided into geotextiles that adhere to ASTM D6381 and IS 15869-2020 standards. The incorporation of these geotextiles into the road structure improves water retention, load distribution, and ground stability. Environmental compatibility tests, durability studies, and mechanical testing are all part of comprehensive characterization. A validated numerical model was created to forecast performance and analyze soil-geotextile interactions. Research indicates that these geotextiles have the ability to increase the lifespan of roads and bridges. As a sustainable substitute for asphalt in road pavements, there is potential for widespread adoption in the future. The following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are directly impacted by this research: SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 13. In order to produce infrastructure that benefits society and the environment, our research promotes sustainable road construction and maintenance.

Performance of PMMA and SBS Modified Asphalt Mixtures in Railway Supplementary Layers and Road Pavements

The use of recycled waste elastic materials provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for further modifying the performance of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, the effects of different proportions of (PMMA) polymethyl methacrylate derived from waste plastic material were evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Strength Test (ITST) of lab-prepared specimens. Since numerous methods of modifying the conventional asphalt binder are available, in this research, the virgin binder was modified with 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% PMMA for evaluating optimum performance proportions in terms of Marshall stability and ITST of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, stiffness modulus tests were performed at frequency values of 1.2 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 3.9 Hz and 5 Hz. The effect of the loading rate from 10 MPa/s to 70 MPa/s was evaluated with an increment of 10 MPa/s for all proportions. Moreover, finite element modeling was performed using the data obtained from dynamic modulus tests with modified Burger's Logit model for evaluation of rutting progression. Results show improved performance of asphalt mixtures with the addition of PMMA, leading to variation in properties including penetration, softening point, Marshall stability and rutting resistance. It is recommended to use 5% PMMA for increased indirect tensile strength, Marshall stability, rutting and fatigue damage resistance.

SELECTION OF AN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT MODEL FOR ROAD PAVEMENT PRODUCTION

The article is devoted to substantiating the choice of inventory management models for making effective decisions in the process of road pavement production. Based on a review of scientific papers, the advantages and disadvantages of common models are identified. The main factors, such as production recipe, storage conditions of raw materials, and demand for finished products, are considered. The peculiarities of their influence on inventory management in the field of road pavement production are determined, provided that there is no shortage of raw materials. A comparison of common deterministic inventory management models is carried out: ABC-analysis, Economic Optimal Quantity, Minimum-maximum, Just in Time, and others. The ABC analysis of the main components of the road pavement formulation is carried out. The ABC classification based on financial impact allowed us to identify the component of priority inventory control by concluding long-term contracts with suppliers and managing inventory on the Just in Time principle. The Economic Optimal Quantity model was used to perform calculations under two scenarios: a 12-month constant demand cycle and an 8-month seasonal demand cycle. The results of the study showed that the optimal cycle duration for components of categories B and C remains unchanged at 7 months, while the cycle for component A doubles in the seasonal scenario. This model makes long-term storage of the category A component impractical. Studies have confirmed that the Just in Time approach is more relevant for component A in the production of road pavement to minimise excess storage costs and maintain quality. It is determined that a combined approach maximises the efficiency of inventory management in producing road surfaces. ABC analysis identifies the key cost factor that requires Just in Time management to reduce storage costs. The Economic Optimal Quantity model is applied to components B and C, ensuring optimal ordering while maintaining operational efficiency. The study highlights the need to integrate multiple models to improve inventory decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Optimisation of a road asphalt solar collector for energy harvesting

The sector of road paving is facing new challenges in environmental preservation and sustainability. Asphalt solar collectors (ASCs; structures embedded inside pavements for the extraction of heat due to solar irradiation) are modern devices for eco-friendly and energy-optimised roads. Fluids circulating inside collectors allow energy harvesting for building heating integration. The paper presents an optimisation of an ASC based on sustainability, thermal and mechanical concerns. Sustainability was evaluated through a life cycle assessment (environmental- economic impacts of real-scale ASCs). Thermal simulations were executed with computational fluid dynamic modelling software. The optimisation allowed the establishment of suitable ASC technical details (asphalt mix, collector material, dimension, layout and working mechanisms). A laboratory-scale testing was executed assessing the thermal response of ASC and rutting-related mechanical performance. The results indicated that a conductive asphalt (SBS AC12 with 15% graphite filler), together with a copper serpentine (50-mm installation depth) can constitute a sustainable and effective ASC.

Influence of Aluminium Dross on the Marshall Properties of Asphalt Mixture

Aluminium dross (AD), a toxic industrial waste, is generated in huge amount from the smelting of aluminium. Its disposal into the environment poses significant challenge on the industry operators and causes danger to humans, animals and plants. AD is evaluated as a substitution of filler for the enhancement of the Marshall properties of asphalt mixture. AD sample was sourced from a steel manufacturing industry, its grain size and that of aggregates were determined. The addition of AD significantly affected various properties of the asphalt mixture. Tests revealed binder characteristics (specific gravity (SG), softening point (SP), viscosity, and ductility) and changes on the performance of asphalt mixture (Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient, unit weight, maximum specific gravity, air voids, voids in mineral aggregate, and voids filled with bitumen). Asphalt modification with full replacement of filler with AD at bitumen contents of 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6% gave Marshall stability between 5.7 and 7.2kN, flow between 3 and 3.3 mm, unit weight between 2.25 and 2.28g/l, maximum specific gravity from 2.33 to 2.39, Marshall quotient from 1.73 to 2.32kN/mm; air voids between 2.1 and 5.8 %, VMA and VFB from 17.3 to 17.6% and 66 to 88%, respectively, and aggregate contents from 94 to 95.5. Replacement of filler with AD at 5% optimum bitumen content improved the stability of asphalt and correspondingly reduce the Air voids, maintaining a stable and durable road pavement. Therefore, full substitution of filler with AD at 5% bitumen content enhanced sturdy and environment friendly asphalt production.

Investigating influential factors through crash frequency models considering excess zeros and heterogeneity: New insights into mountain freeway safety.

The use of statistical modeling methods to quantify crash causation on mountain freeways is limited by crash data availability and technical challenges posed by excess zeros and heterogeneity, resulting in a lack of significant targeting of proactive crash prevention measures on mountain freeways. We collected multidimensional crash-related information on mountainous freeways in China, including road design characteristics, traffic conditions, pavement performance, and weather conditions. To overcome the challenges of excess zeros and heterogeneity on modeling techniques, we innovatively developed two new models: the Random Parameter Negative Binomial Lindley (RPNB-L) model and the Random Parameter Negative Binomial Generalized Exponential (RPNB-GE) model. The goodness-of-fit indicates that the RPNB-L and RPNB-GE models stand out among the six competing models, suggesting that the Lindley and GE distributions are conducive to portraying the multi-zero attributes, while the regression coefficients randomization treatment provides a deeper portrayal of heterogeneous effects. Moreover, the analysis reveals a considerable number of causes for crash frequency on mountainous freeways in China. These include several interesting results, such as special segments like tunnels and interchanges, Pavement Damage Condition Index (PCI) and the stormy rainfall (TR), which have not been extensively studied in previous research. The research results provided important reference values for the selection of active safety countermeasures for mountain freeways.

Comparison of open-graded, dense-graded and semi-porous asphalt mixtures for motorway wearing courses based on Wehner-Schulze tests and photogrammetry

Achieving sustainable mobility necessarily involves improving road safety. When open-graded (or porous) asphalt mixtures are used as wearing course in road pavements, they can drastically reduce the number of accidents thanks to their water drainage capability and improved visibility for drivers during rainy weather. However, in practice, the field skid resistance of such pavements measured in wet conditions is often lower than that of dense-graded wearing courses, which seems counterintuitive and needs further investigation. Within this context, this study compared the surface properties of over 30 asphalt mixtures typically employed for wearing courses in Italian motorway pavements, which were collected for quality control during the construction works. The mixtures differed in terms of type (open-graded, dense-graded, semi-porous), composition (i.e. mix design, aggregate origin and polymer modified bitumen supplier) as well as production date. The skid resistance of laboratory-compacted slabs was evaluated at increasing polishing levels with the Wehner-Schulze (WS) machine. The surface texture of selected slabs was assessed through a photogrammetric reconstruction, thus obtaining the surface profile characteristics exactly along the trajectory investigated in the WS tests. On average, the friction values of open-graded mixtures were found to be lower than dense-graded mixtures by more than 20% due to the lower effective contact area between the WS measurement sliding blocks and the sample surface (percentage of contact = 15÷25% vs. 65÷80%), which can determine a reduction of the skid resistance contributions due to adhesion. For the same type of mixture, higher friction values were observed in the presence of coarse aggregates with high Polished Stone Value (PSV) and/or in the case of lower air void content.

Development of a Practical Tool to Consider Climate and Climate Change in Subgrade Resilient Modulus for Road Pavements

Abstract The prediction of the resilient modulus of foundation soil or subgrade for road pavements has been a subject of significant interest in recent years. This study presents a summary of the factors that influence resilient modulus performance, including climate and climate change, and how this property is fundamental for pavement design. To incorporate climate and climate change in the resilient modulus of the pavement subgrade, a practical tool was developed based on the Climate Information System for Road Design (SICliC) and the Enhanced Integrated Climate Model (EICM) of Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), where the Thornthwaite Moisture Index (TMI) can be estimated based on historical monthly precipitation and mean temperature data and using climate change scenarios for Mexico. The proposal determines the prediction of the behavior of variables that influence the subgrade resilient modulus for unbound granular materials (UGMs) which are associated with climate, such as moisture content, soil suction and degree of saturation, by means of which an environmental factor for unbound materials can be estimated. This factor adjusts the “Resilient modulus at optimum” to an “Resilient modulus at equilibrium” for the project site. Incorporating the climate and climate change of the project site into pavement design, particularly into the resilient modulus of the subgrade, will increase the durability and resilience of pavements.