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The concrete block pavement (CBP) system has a surface layer consisting of concrete block pavers and joint sand over a bedding sand layer. The non-homogeneous nature of the surface course of CBP, along with different laying patterns and shapes of block pavers, makes the analysis of CBP cumbersome. In this study, the surface course of CBP was modeled based on the slab action of the block pavers and joint sand, which are connected together in full contact. Four different laying patterns, including herringbone, stretcher, parquet, and square, were modeled using a finite element model. The elastic moduli of the block pavers varied from 2500 MPa to 45,000 MPa, with thicknesses ranging from 60 mm to 120 mm. As a result, modeling of CBP based on slab action can be considered a realistic strategy. In addition, a dataset was created based on quantitative inputs, e.g., elastic modulus and thickness of the block pavers, and qualitative input, i.e., block laying patterns. The approaches of machine learning adopted were support vector regression, Gaussian process regression, single-layer and deep artificial neural networks, and least squares boosting to implement prediction approach based on input and output. The analyses of statistical accuracy of all five machine learning methods showed high accuracy; however, the Gaussian process and deep artificial neural network methods resulted in the most accurate outputs and are recommended for further studies. Based on the machine learning models, digitalization is achieved through the development of simple, user-friendly software for electronic devices in order to perform a preliminary analysis of different laying patterns of CBP. Such a platform may result in less laboratory work and boosts the level of sustainability in concrete block pavement technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous asphalt (PA) are used to drain water from the surface of the asphalt pavements. It reduces aquaplaning and subsequently decreases splash and spray. Clogging reduces the permeability of PA over the years. The double layer PA are used to mitigate this problem. Different aggregate gradations and binder types can alter the performance of double layer PA. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of these parameters on the performance of double layer PA. For this purpose, different samples were fabricated using various aggregate gradations based on Malaysian asphalt mixture standards. Indirect tensile strength, permeability and air voids of the samples were determined. The proposed aggregate gradation for top and bottom layers were mixed with two different asphalt binders. Cantabro and binder drainage tests were later carried out on these samples. The results were then compared with the corresponding results from the Dutch double layer PA gradations. Laboratory test results showed that aggregate gradation significantly affect the indirect tensile strength, permeability and air voids of both top and bottom layer of PA. The design binder content for the bottom layer is also lower than that for the top layer. However, the binder type did not significantly change the design binder content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of an asphalt mixture does not only rely on its engineering properties. Yet, the service characteristics of an asphalt mixture do play an important role on the durability of pavements. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different aggregate types (granite and limestone) and the incorporation of recycled paper mill sludge (RPMS) on mixtures behaviour in terms of workability and compaction energy index (CEI). The effect of RPMS incorporation on the leaching potential was also assessed. A test was evaluated through the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) to identify the leaching behaviour of heavy metals with a possibility to contaminate the nearby water sources. Next, a surface morphological analysis was also conducted through the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to assess the relationship of fillers addition to the optimum binder content and water absorption. In this study, RPMS was used at rates of 0.5% and 1%. Based on the TCLP's results, the leaching potential of RPMS incorporated mixture was addressed and proven to be less than the standardised requirements. The addition of different percentages of RPMS into limestone and granite asphalt mixtures had resulted in the increment of optimum binder content; however, still lower than control samples. Whereas their small increment in the combined water absorption percentage are relatively same to the control samples. The workability indices of asphalt mixtures peaked upon the usage of 0.5% RPMS but slightly reduced at 1% RPMS but nevertheless remained higher than the control specimen. This is due to the ability of RPMS reduce the surface tension, hence enabling less energy for compaction. The 0.5% RPMS addition was found to be the optimal content required to obtain a better service performance of asphalt mixture during mixing and compaction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new approach to estimate the optimum binder content (OBC) of recycled asphalts (RAs) incorporating a warm mix additive based on the interaction effects of compaction temperature, RA content and binder content using volumetric and strength characterisation. The experimental design was developed using response surface method (RSM) based on central composite design for various compaction temperatures (130–160 °C), RA contents (30–50%) and binder contents (4.9–6.0%). Laboratory tests were performed and analysed to meet the desired volumetric and strength properties according to the Malaysian specifications for the design of dense asphalt mixtures. Statistical analysis and mathematical models proposed by RSM were used to determine the OBC. The results showed that compaction temperature is the most significant factor in determining the OBC. There are minimum differences in the OBC variation of samples incorporating different dosage of RA. The developed model can be used for quick estimation of OBC for various levels of compaction temperature and RA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review paper presents the effects of a chemical warm mix additive, named Rediset on the rheological properties of asphalt binders, laboratory performance of asphalt mixtures, field behaviour of constructed road sections, energy consumption and air pollution, physicochemical properties of asphalt binders and behaviour of asphalt mortar. The rheological effects of Rediset on asphalt binder were evaluated from the viewpoint of very high temperature properties (viscosity of asphalt binder and workability of asphalt mixtures), high temperature properties (rutting resistance of asphalt binders and mixtures), intermediate temperature (fatigue behaviour) and also low temperature cracking properties. Other topics such as the mechanisms of temperature reduction by Rediset, storage stability of Rediset modified binders, moisture susceptibility, mix design issues, volumetric properties and economic benefits were also investigated. The information reported in this paper will help decision makers to appropriately select, apply and evaluate this warm additive type. In addition, researchers can identify gaps in existing knowledge for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper summarized the information of various literatures related to the aging process of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures. Aging influences binder rheological properties and subsequently, asphalt mixture performance. Volatilization and oxidation are two main mechanisms causing aging. Aging increases asphalt binder viscosity and results in stiffer mixtures, which leads to the formation of several pavement distress types, such as ravelling, fatigue and thermal cracking. Many tests have been conducted to evaluate the effects of aging on the asphalt binder and mixture such as FTIR, XRD, creep, resilient modulus and fatigue, which were reviewed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]