This work presents an innovative approach to enhancing the performance of concrete with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates using titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Traditional limestone coarse aggregates were partially replaced with 30% and 50% RAP aggregates; a subset of mixtures containing RAP aggregates was treated with TiO2 nanoparticles. The rheological, mechanical, and long-term properties of concrete, along with changes in its chemical composition following the addition of RAP and TiO2, were evaluated. Results revealed that using 30% and 50% RAP in concrete mixtures reduced their compressive strength by 18% and 27%, respectively. However, using TiO2 in those mixtures enhanced their compressive strength by 8.7% and 6.3%. Moreover, concrete with 50% RAP exhibited an 85% increase in water absorption (the highest among all mixtures) compared to the control. TiO2 treatment was most beneficial in the 30% RAP mixture, reducing its water absorption by 32.5% compared to its untreated counterpart. Additionally, the 30% RAP mixture treated with TiO2 showed the highest resistance to sulfates among modified mixtures, as its compressive strength decreased by 10.4% compared to a decrease of 23% in the strength of the untreated 30% RAP mixture. Statistical analysis using single-factor ANOVA showed that integrating RAP aggregates with or without the presence of TiO2 particles would significantly affect the concrete properties in terms of their population means. The t-test analysis, on the other hand, proved sufficient evidence that the mean values of the 30% RAP mixture treated with TiO2 would not differ significantly from the control in terms of its slump and water absorption properties. The chemical structure analysis revealed an increase in the Si-O-Si and Si-O functional groups when using TiO2 in RAP mixtures, suggesting improved hydration activity and accelerated C-S-H formation in the treated RAP mixtures. Moreover, distinct C-H peaks were witnessed in concrete with untreated RAP aggregates, resulting from the aged asphalt coating on the RAP, which weakened the bond between the RAP and the cementitious matrix.
Recently, interest in the use of projectiles in research on recycling waste materials for construction applications has grown. Using recycled materials for the construction of asphalt concrete pavement, in the meantime, has become a topic of research due to its significant benefits, such as cost savings and reduced environmental impacts. This study reports on comprehensive experimental research conducted using a typical mechanical milling waste, iron filing waste (IFW), as an alternative fine aggregate for warm mix asphalt (WMA) for pavement wearing surface applications. A type of IFW from a local machine workshop was used to replace the conventional fine aggregate, fine natural sand (FNS), at percentages of 25%, 50% 75%, and 100% b
... Show MoreHighly Modified Asphalt (HiMA) binders have garnered significant attention due to their superior resistance to rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal distress under heavy traffic loads and extreme environmental conditions. While elastomeric polymers such as Styrene- Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) have been extensively used in HiMA applications, the potential of plastomeric polymers, including Polyethylene (PE) and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), remains largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the performance of reference binder (RB) modified with plastomeric HiMA asphalt in comparison to SBS-modified binders and determine the optimal polymer dosage for achieving an optimal balance between rutting resistance and fatigue durability. The experi
... Show MoreA novel demountable shear connector is proposed to link a concrete slab to steel sections in a way that resulting steel-concrete composite floor is demountable, i.e. it can be easily dismantled at the end of its service life. The proposed connectors consist of two parts: the first part is a hollow steel tube with internal threads at its lower end. The second part is a compatible partially threaded bolted stud. After linking the stud to the steel section, the hollow steel tube can be fastened over the threaded stud, which create a complete demountable shear connector. The connector is suitable for use in both composite bridges and buildings, and using cast in-situ slabs, precast solid slabs, or hollow-core precast slabs. A series of push-off
... Show MoreThe using of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) can preserve natural aggregate resources, reduce the demand for landfill, and contribute to a sustainable built environment. Concrete demolition waste has been proven to be an excellent source of aggregates for new concrete production. At a technical, economic, and environmental level, roller compacted concrete (RCC) applications benefit various civil construction projects. Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a homogenous mixture that is best described as a zero-slump concrete placed with compacting equipment, uses in storage areas, dams, and most often as a basis for rigid pavements. The mix must be sufficiently dry to support
... Show MoreThis study focuses on the behavior of simply supported perforated prestressed concrete rafters (PPCRs) under single midspan monotonic static loading. The experimental program consisted of testing seven specimens; one solid (control) rafter, and six perforated with quadrilateral openings. The main investigated variables are the number and height of the openings. The test findings indicate that, in comparison to the solid rafter, the presence of quadrilateral openings in the PPCRs led to reducing the load capacity by (4.3-36%) and increase the midspan deflection at ultimate by (14.8-33%). Also, increasing the number of concrete posts between openings resulted in increasing the failure load and decreasing the deflection at all stages o
... Show MoreEnhancing fatigue resistance in asphalt binders and mixtures is crucial for prolonging pavement lifespan and improving road performance. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced various nanomaterials such as alumina (NA), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and silica (NS) as potential asphalt modifiers. These materials possess unique properties that address challenges related to asphalt fatigue. However, their effectiveness depends on proper dispersion and mixing techniques. This review examines the mixing methods used for each nanomaterial to ensure uniform distribution within the asphalt matrix and maximize performance benefits. Recent research findings are synthesized to elucidate how these nanomaterials and their mixing proce
... Show MoreThis paper reports on the experimental study, which conducted a series of triaxial tests for the asphalt concrete using hydrated lime as a mineral additive. Three HMA mixes, prepared by the specification for wearing, levelling and base layers, were studied under three different temperatures. The test results have demonstrated that, compared with the control mixes excluding HL, the permanent deformation resistance of the HL modified mixes has significant improvement. The deformation has been reduced at the same load repetition number, meanwhile the flow number has been considerably increased. The degree of improvement in permanent deformation resistance using HL is more pronounced at high stress deviation states and high temperature.
... Show MoreFor over a century, the global consumption of asphalt binder in asphalt mixture production has been substantial. In the Heet region (west of Iraq), two distinct forms of natural asphalt (NA) deposits exist: rock asphalt and sulfur spring asphalt. This study focused on using NA sourced from sulfur springs. The aim was to investigate the potential of incorporating NA into local asphalt mixtures. To achieve this, NA was heated to 163°C for varying durations. After heat treatment, laboratory tests were conducted on NA. The findings suggest that by heating NA for 20 hours, it conforms to Iraqi specifications in terms of physical properties. Furthermore, compared to conventional petroleum asphalt, treated NA showed greater
... Show MoreFlexible pavements are considered an essential element of transportation infrastructure. So, evaluations of flexible pavement performance are necessary for the proper management of transportation infrastructure. Pavement condition index (PCI) and international roughness index (IRI) are common indices applied to evaluate pavement surface conditions. However, the pavement condition surveys to calculate PCI are costly and time-consuming as compared to IRI. This article focuses on developing regression models that predict PCI from IRI. Eighty-three flexible pavement sections, with section length equal to 250 m, were selected in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, to develop PCI-IRI relationships. In terms of the quantity and severity of eac
... Show MoreMineral fillers are a fundamental component of asphalt mastic and play a critical role in governing the mechanical performance and durability of flexible pavements. Variations in filler type and dosage can substantially alter mastic stiffness, deformation resistance, fatigue behavior, and adhesion. The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the influence of mineral filler type and filler-to-asphalt (F/A) ratio on the rheological, fatigue, and adhesive performance of asphalt mastics. Three commonly used fillers; limestone dust, Portland cement, and hydrated lime were investigated at four F/A ratios (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2). A comprehensive experimental program was conducted, including conventional binder characterization, Mult
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