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Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2020) | Viewed by 26589

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction Engineering and Engineering Project, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: asphalt; pavement; road and railway; construction materials and technologies; sustainability; testing and monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction Engineering and Engineering Project, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: asphalt; pavement; road and railway; construction materials and technologies; sustainability; testing and monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability has become an integral part of most activities carried out in society today. Because of this, the pavement construction sector (one of the principal sectors in the field of civil engineering and, in turn, a major consumer of fossil fuels and natural resources and a notable producer of greenhouse gases) is currently seeking ways to reuse wastes and to reduce the economic and environmental impacts that its activities cause. This Special Issue is looking for papers that show the latest steps carried out in the pavement engineering sector to achieve more sustainable materials, design and construction procedures (which could lead to an efficient management of natural resources and foment the development of techniques that permit the reuse of wastes and reduce contaminant emissions). Papers selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Moreno-Navarro
Dr. Miguel Sol-Sánchez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • sustainable pavements
  • sustainable transportation
  • civil engineering
  • resilient, environmental pavements
  • circular economy

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1587 KiB  
Article
Roller Compacted Concrete with Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Paving Bases
by Hedelvan Emerson Fardin and Adriana Goulart dos Santos
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3154; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083154 - 14 Apr 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3846
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the mechanical and physical properties of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) used with Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) as a replacement for natural coarse aggregate. The maximum dry density method was adopted to prepare RCC mixtures with 200 kg/m³ of [...] Read more.
This research aimed to investigate the mechanical and physical properties of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) used with Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) as a replacement for natural coarse aggregate. The maximum dry density method was adopted to prepare RCC mixtures with 200 kg/m³ of cement content and coarse natural aggregates in the concrete mixture. Four RCC mixtures were produced from different RCA incorporation ratios (0%, 5%, 15%, and 30%). The compaction test, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity, porosity, density, and water absorption tests were performed to analyze the mechanical and physical properties of the mixtures. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to identify the influences of RCA on RCC’s mechanical properties. As RCA increased in mixtures, some mechanical properties were observed to decrease, such as modulus of elasticity, but the same was not observed in the splitting tensile strength. All RCCs displayed compressive strength greater than 15.0 MPa at 28 days, splitting tensile strength above 1.9 MPa, flexural tensile strength above 2.9 MPa, and modulus of elasticity above 19.0 GPa. According to Brazilian standards, the RCA added to RCC could be used for base layers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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13 pages, 2069 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Heavy Vehicle Traffic Trends on the Overdesign of Flexible Asphalt Pavements
by Paolo Intini, Nicola Berloco, Pasquale Colonna and Vittorio Ranieri
Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2688; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072688 - 30 Mar 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2783
Abstract
Given their environmental impact, the careful design of asphalt pavements is crucial. Previous research has highlighted the influence of several parameters on the outputs of different pavement design methods. In this study, the focus is on heavy vehicle trends, considering both the percentage [...] Read more.
Given their environmental impact, the careful design of asphalt pavements is crucial. Previous research has highlighted the influence of several parameters on the outputs of different pavement design methods. In this study, the focus is on heavy vehicle trends, considering both the percentage of heavy vehicles in the average traffic flow and its evolution over time, which is usually included as a growth factor in the design inputs. Since these factors are very often assumed to be based on old estimates, the first aim of this study was to update them by exploring a recent series of continuous data collected on the Italian motorway network and showing how to infer estimates from historical traffic data. Subsequently, the variability of these input factors is introduced in standard pavement design methods to assess their influence on the design process and to quantify the risk of overdesign. While the analysis of historical heavy vehicle traffic data may reveal an overall zero-growth traffic tendency, different scenarios should be considered and assessed in cost-benefit analyses given the not negligible influence of growth factors on pavement thicknesses. This influence is shown here in different simulated design conditions, with different initial traffic volumes, share of heavy vehicles, and resilient moduli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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17 pages, 3733 KiB  
Article
Performance-Based Characterization of Bituminous Mortars Prepared With Ladle Furnace Steel Slag
by Marco Pasetto, Andrea Baliello, Emiliano Pasquini, Marta Skaf and Vanesa Ortega-López
Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051777 - 27 Feb 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2467
Abstract
A circular approach to managing resources that will promote their reuse and recycling is nowadays of crucial importance for a sustainable society. In this regard, the substitution of natural aggregates by steel slag in construction materials represents a promising option. In this paper, [...] Read more.
A circular approach to managing resources that will promote their reuse and recycling is nowadays of crucial importance for a sustainable society. In this regard, the substitution of natural aggregates by steel slag in construction materials represents a promising option. In this paper, the use of Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS) as sustainable filler and fine aggregate for asphalt mixtures is studied. In particular, the evaluation of the LFS contribution in mastic and mortar mixes at mid-range and high-service temperatures is investigated, employing a dynamic shear rheometer to assess the main viscoelastic properties as well as the fatigue and the permanent deformation resistance of the blends. The experimental findings showed that the addition of LFS led to a clear stiffening effect, altering the chemo-physical interaction with the bitumen and producing an appreciable difference in complex stiffness moduli and phase angles. Regardless of the aging condition, the use of LFS lowered the linear viscoelastic limits and increased the elasticity of blends in the case of both mastics and mortars. It caused also a slightly higher thermal dependence of the linear viscoelastic properties even if the enhanced stiffness and elasticity produced appreciable improvements in the permanent deformation resistance. In contrast, a slight reduction of fatigue resistance was observed under the test conditions and was reasonably ascribed to the higher stiffness of LFS blends. Further research is needed to strengthen these promising results and to address the issues at a multiscale level, in particular to evaluate possible lower workability and reduced ductility due to the encountered higher stiffness of slag-based materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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17 pages, 4109 KiB  
Article
Laboratory Evaluation on the Performance of Porous Asphalt Mixture with Steel Slag for Seasonal Frozen Regions
by Hanbing Liu, Bing Zhu, Haibin Wei, Chao Chai and Yu Chen
Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 6924; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11246924 - 5 Dec 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3308
Abstract
Porous asphalt mixtures with steel slag (PAM-SS), as an eco-friendly and low-cost pavement material, are conducive to addressing the issue of urban floods and natural resource shortages. The primary objective of this paper was to explore the feasibility of the application of PAM-SS [...] Read more.
Porous asphalt mixtures with steel slag (PAM-SS), as an eco-friendly and low-cost pavement material, are conducive to addressing the issue of urban floods and natural resource shortages. The primary objective of this paper was to explore the feasibility of the application of PAM-SS for seasonal frozen regions, and ascertain the optimal replacement percentage of natural aggregate. Steel slag coarse aggregate (SSCA) was used to replace basalt coarse aggregate (BCA) at four levels (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) by equal volume. The volume characteristics, mechanical properties, low-temperature cracking resistance, water stability, and freeze-thaw (F-T) durability of the mixture were assessed. The results indicated that the low-temperature cracking resistance of the mixture was significantly enhanced and acoustic emission (AE) energy was uniformly released by the incorporation of steel slag. Furthermore, the porosity, permeability, Marshall stability (MS), and the resistance against water damage and F-T cycles were also significantly improved. Based on the experimental results, the complete replacement of natural aggregate is advisable to obtain an optimal overall performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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15 pages, 2695 KiB  
Article
Study on the Performances of Waste Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixture with Eco-Friendly Diatomite and Basalt Fiber
by Wensheng Wang, Yongchun Cheng, Heping Chen, Guojin Tan, Zehua Lv and Yunshuo Bai
Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5282; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195282 - 25 Sep 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2927
Abstract
A sustainable and environmentally friendly society is developing rapidly, in which pavement engineering is an essential part. Therefore, more attention has been paid toward waste utilization and urban noise pollution in road construction. The object of this study was not only to investigate [...] Read more.
A sustainable and environmentally friendly society is developing rapidly, in which pavement engineering is an essential part. Therefore, more attention has been paid toward waste utilization and urban noise pollution in road construction. The object of this study was not only to investigate the mix proportion of waste crumb modified asphalt mixtures with diatomite and basalt fiber but also to evaluate the comprehensive performances including sound and vibration absorption of modified asphalt mixtures. Firstly, the mix proportion scheme was designed based on Marshall indices and sound and vibration absorption properties according to the orthogonal experimental method. Considering the specification requirements, as well as better performances, the optimal mix proportion was determined as follows: diatomite content at 7.5%, basalt fiber content at 0.3%, and asphalt-aggregate ratio at 5.5%. The range and variance analysis results indicated that asphalt-aggregate ratio has the most significant influence on volumetric parameters, diatomite has the most significant influence on sound absorption, and basalt fiber has the most significant influence on vibration reduction. Furthermore, the conventional pavement performances and sustainable sound and vibration absorption performances of modified asphalt mixtures were also analyzed. The results showed that the performances of modified asphalt mixtures were improved to different extents compared to the base asphalt mixture. This may be attributed to the microporous structure property of diatomite and the spatial network structure formed by basalt fibers. The pavement as well as sound and vibration absorption performances of the waste crumb modified asphalt mixture with diatomite and basalt fiber would be a good guidance for asphalt pavement design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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16 pages, 7096 KiB  
Article
Flexural-Fatigue Properties of Sustainable Pervious Concrete Pavement Material Containing Ground Tire Rubber and Silica Fume
by Hanbing Liu, Guobao Luo, Peilei Zhou, Haibin Wei, Wenjun Li and Di Yu
Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4467; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164467 - 18 Aug 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3644
Abstract
With the development of urbanization, pervious concrete has been increasingly used in urban road pavement structures. The objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of stress levels and modifier (ground tire rubber and silica fume) on the fatigue life of pervious [...] Read more.
With the development of urbanization, pervious concrete has been increasingly used in urban road pavement structures. The objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of stress levels and modifier (ground tire rubber and silica fume) on the fatigue life of pervious concrete and establish the fatigue equations with different survival probabilities. In order to improve the deformability of pervious concrete without sacrificing its strength, ground tire rubber and silica fume were added into pervious concrete. Two kinds of pervious concrete, control pervious concrete and ground tire rubber and silica fume modified pervious concrete, were made in the laboratory. The pervious concrete beam specimens of 100 × 100 × 400 mm were casted, and the static flexural strength and flexural strain of the two kinds of pervious concrete were tested. The fatigue lives of two pervious concretes were tested using MTS fatigue testing machine under four different stress levels (0.85, 0.80, 0.75, and 0.70). The fatigue life was analyzed by two-parameter Weibull distribution. The parameters of Weibull distribution were determined by graphical method, maximum likelihood method and moment method. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to test the Weibull distribution and the fatigue equations under different survival probabilities were established. The results showed that ground tire rubber and silica fume modified pervious concrete had better deformability while ensuring strength compared to control pervious concrete. The addition of ground tire rubber and silica fume improved the fatigue life of pervious concrete. The two-parameter Weibull distribution was suitable to characterize the fatigue characteristics and predict the fatigue life of pervious concrete. Fatigue equations with different survival probabilities were a good guide for pervious concrete design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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15 pages, 2607 KiB  
Article
Evaluation on Strength Properties of Lime–Slag Stabilized Loess as Pavement Base Material
by Liang Jia, Li Zhang, Jian Guo, Kai Yao, Sin Mei Lim, Bin Li and Hui Xu
Sustainability 2019, 11(15), 4099; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154099 - 29 Jul 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3311
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using lime–slag stabilized loess as base-course material by assessing its unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Loess stabilized with various mix ratios were compacted and cured to three, five, seven, and 28 days, respectively, for further strength [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using lime–slag stabilized loess as base-course material by assessing its unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Loess stabilized with various mix ratios were compacted and cured to three, five, seven, and 28 days, respectively, for further strength tests. The effects of binder content, lime-to-slag (L/S) ratio, porosity, and curing time on the UCS of stabilized loess were addressed in detail. The test results show that UCS increases with the increase in binder content or curing time, and it gains strength rapidly within the first seven days of curing. At the same binder content, UCS decreases with the decrease in L/S ratio or porosity. Finally, the correlations of UCS with binder content, porosity, and curing time were derived, which exhibited reasonable correlation coefficients R2 (from 0.86 to 0.97). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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15 pages, 1716 KiB  
Article
Fatigue Properties of Cold-Recycled Emulsified Asphalt Mixtures Fabricated by Different Compaction Methods
by Yingjun Jiang, Hongwei Lin, Zhanchuang Han and Changqing Deng
Sustainability 2019, 11(12), 3483; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123483 - 25 Jun 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3596
Abstract
This paper focuses on investigating the fatigue properties of cold-recycled emulsified asphalt mixtures (CEAMs) designed via two different compaction methods. First, two different CEAM compaction procedures were investigated and evaluated, including the modified Marshall compaction method (MMCM) and the vertical vibration testing method [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on investigating the fatigue properties of cold-recycled emulsified asphalt mixtures (CEAMs) designed via two different compaction methods. First, two different CEAM compaction procedures were investigated and evaluated, including the modified Marshall compaction method (MMCM) and the vertical vibration testing method (VVTM). Indirect tensile fatigue tests were then performed to research the fatigue lives of CEAMs fabricated via the two methods. Finally, a Weibull distribution was applied to analyze the fatigue test results, and the fatigue equation was constructed. The results indicated that the average mechanical strength ratio between the CEAM samples produced by VVTM and the field core samples was >92%, whereas the average ratio of the specimens shaped by the MMCM was <65%. Compared with MMCM-molded CEAMs, VVTM-fabricated CEAMs showed decreased optimal moisture and emulsified asphalt contents by 11% and 9%, respectively, but exhibited improved moisture stability, anti-cracking performance, and anti-rutting performance by 4%, 12%, and 35%, respectively. The fatigue equations established on the basis of the Weibull distribution could effectively assess the fatigue life of CEAMs. The VVTM-manufactured CEAMs showed good resistance of stress change sensitivity and fatigue failure under different stress ratios. The VVTM-compacted CEAMs demonstrated increased fatigue life by 36% at a stress ratio of 0.45 and by 325% at a repeated load of 0.27 MPa compared with the MMCM-fabricated CEAMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Materials, Design and Construction)
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