<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
    <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
      <url>https://trid.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle.jpg</url>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Components optimization and curing characteristics of cold-mixed polyurethane-modified asphalt based on response surface methodology</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2694116</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The cold-mixed polyurethane-modified asphalt (CPUA) can be utilized at ambient temperatures, along with excellent mechanical properties, which make it a preferred choice for high-performance pavements and rapid repair projects. The composition of CPUA was optimized using a Box-Behnken design within response surface methodology, followed by analyzing the microstructure morphology and curing behavior of the binder. All factors were found to be significant (p < 0.005), with biodiesel exerting the strongest influence on viscosity, tensile strength, and elongation at break, followed by polyurethane (PU) and the latent curing agent. The optimized formulation (20% biodiesel, 100% PU, 3.5% latent curing agent) yielded a close agreement between prediction and experiment. During the curing process, concurrent with the reaction of isocyanate groups with water to form urea bonds, the asphalt phase size was reduced, the uniformity of the two-phase structure and the crosslinked density were increased. The CPUA mixture was rapidly cured at −10 °C, achieving a Marshall stability higher than 30 kN and thus demonstrating considerable low-temperature strength development capability. The findings offer important theoretical insights and practical guidance for the design and application of CPUA materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:40:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2694116</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Influence of Accelerator Dosages on the Viscosity–Time–Temperature Characteristics, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties of Hot Mix Epoxy Asphalt</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2681379</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To address the contradiction between high-temperature construction retention time and normal-temperature curing time of hot mix epoxy asphalt (HEA), in this paper, 2,4,6–tris (dimethylaminomethyl) phenol (TAP) was selected as the accelerator, and the viscosity–time–temperature (VTT) characteristics and the curing rate of the HEA were modulated by varying the accelerator dosage. The VTT characteristics of the HEA during the paving–rolling stage were quantitatively characterized by a rheometer for the first time, and the effect of accelerator dosages and thermal histories on the VTT characteristics of the HEA during the mixing–rolling stage were systematically analyzed. Additionally, the effect of the accelerator dosages on the morphology, curing rate, and mechanical properties of the HEA were thoroughly assessed. The incorporation of accelerator can effectively decrease the reaction activation energy of the hot mix epoxy resin (HER) while maintaining the reaction order without significant alteration. The viscosity of both HER and HEA during the mixing–rolling stage can be precisely regulated by adjusting the dosage of the TAP. Due to the dilution effect of the matrix asphalt, the VTT characteristics of HEA are markedly diminished under varying thermal history conditions when compared with HER, thereby facilitating on-site construction control. The incorporation of an appropriate quantity of accelerator effectively mitigates the coalescence behavior between the epoxy phase and the asphalt phase, thereby substantially enhancing the microstructural homogeneity of the HEA. As the dosage of the accelerator progressively increases from 0% to 2%, both the tensile strength and loss factor of HEA exhibit a trend of initially increasing rapidly and subsequently leveling off gradually. This study is expected to enhance the characterization and regulation of the workability of the epoxy asphalt throughout the construction process.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:54:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2681379</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation on optimal preparation process and performance modification mechanism of epoxy asphalt modified by S-type curing agent and rubber oil</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2657744</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To improve the low-temperature flexibility of conventional epoxy asphalt, this study proposes a composite modification approach using the S-type curing agent (SCA) and rubber oil (RO). First, the optimal addition sequence of SCA and RO was determined, and the correponding preparation process parameters were optimized via orthogonal experiments with tensile properties as the evaluation index. Subsequently, the mechanical properties, low-temperature crack resistance, and microstructure of modified epoxy asphalt (MEA) with varying modifier contents were evaluated to optimize SCA and RO compounding parameters and reveal their modification mechanisms. Finally, the properties of MEA and the modified epoxy asphalt mixture (MEAM) were investigated. Results indicate that pre-mixing SCA with the original curing agent and RO with the 70# asphalt yields the best mechanical performance. Increasing SCA content enhanced the tensile strength and viscosity of MEA, but reduced its low-temperature flexural strain. In contrast, increasing RO content significantly enhanced the fracture elongation of MEA and the low-temperature flexural strain, with a concurrent reduction in viscosity. Microscopic analysis shows that the SCA enhances the strength of MEA by increasing the pore size of the asphalt phase in the epoxy resin cross-linked network, whereas RO refines the pore size distribution of the asphalt phase, thus improving the toughness and low-temperature performance of MEA. When the content of SCA and RO is controlled at 2 wt% and 15 wt%, respectively, the MEA exhibits tensile properties meeting specification requirements and appropriate viscosity, and the MEAM shows significantly improved pavement performance. The results of this study provide theoretical support for the development and application of high-performance and sustainable epoxy asphalt.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:20:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2657744</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Practical Implementation of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) for Internally Cured Concrete</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2685594</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Laboratory investigations and results from a year-long field trial demonstrated that plain Type IL cement and slag cement concrete that was internally cured by superabsorbent polymer (SAP) has increased strength and durability compared to SAP-free mixtures, mixtures containing colloidal nanosilica, and mixtures that were externally cured with a surface-applied curing compound. SAP was successfully delivered to fresh concrete mixtures at the ready-mixed concrete plant by using dissolvable bags containing premeasured amounts of dry SAP particles. No batching adjustments were necessary to successfully utilize SAP in the concrete mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:41:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2685594</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Comprehensive Study on Modification Mechanism of Waterborne Epoxy Resin Emulsified Asphalt and Life Cycle Benefits of Its Mixture</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2686275</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study focuses on the lack of systematic research on the effects and mechanisms of waterborne epoxy resin (WER) and curing agents on emulsified asphalt, as well as the challenge of scientifically evaluating the comprehensive benefits of waterborne epoxy resin emulsified asphalt (WEREA) and its mixtures. Nine WER bicomponents were chosen to modify emulsified asphalt, with properties studied at the macro and micro levels. A modification mechanism model for WEREA was developed. Then, 75 indicators were selected to assess the rheological properties of WEREA and mixture performance using the efficiency coefficient method to construct an evaluation index system. The performance–environmental–economic benefits of the WEREA mixture were verified based on life cycle analysis. This study confirmed the performance dominance of WEREA and its mixtures in high-temperature environments. The WER with an epoxy value of 0.2 eq/100 g and the curing agent containing four amino groups had the most significant effect on optimizing the performance of WEREA, especially when the dosage of the WER was 15%. The WEREA mixture prepared with that WER bicomponent had the best performance, economic, and environmental benefits when the oil–stone ratio was 9.07%. The environmental benefits account for 46% of the overall life cycle benefits of the WEREA mixtures, emphasizing the importance of controlling pollution emissions for sustainable pavement construction.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:23:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2686275</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Water Diffusion Behavior and Shrinkage Characteristics of Internal Curing Pavement Concrete</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2628254</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Super absorbent polymer (SAP) internal curing agent exhibits applicable water compensation capabilities in response to declining internal relative humidity (IRH) of cement concrete during the initial curing period, thereby inhibiting the generation of shrinkage cracks and enhancing the hydration degree of the cementitious materials. This paper explores the water diffusion behavior and shrinkage characteristics of SAP internal curing pavement concrete. In accordance with the characteristics of pavement concrete, the influence of SAP particle sizes, dosages, and curing conditions on the internal relative humidity (IRH) of concrete was examined by using the MIC-TD-TM temperature and humidity integrated sensor. Additionally, the spatial distribution of IRH at various vertical depths within the concrete was clarified. Moreover, the relationships between different types of shrinkage strain and IRH, temperature with time were also analyzed. The equivalent water diffusivity coefficient (DH) for the internal curing pavement concrete was determined, leading to the establishment of a DH-IRH model. Results indicate that at 28 days, the IRH of C30 and C40 internal curing pavement concrete reached 93.12% RH and 89.78% RH, respectively, representing an increase of 14.21% and 13.82% compared to the control group. Furthermore, the shrinkage reduction rates for the C30 and C40 internal curing groups were 69.83% and 87.62%, respectively, demonstrating that SAP significantly enhances curing effects in concrete with lower water-binder ratios. The incorporation of SAP effectively mitigates the vertical humidity gradient in pavement concrete, leading to a more uniform IRH across all layers, which positively influences the suppression of humidity-induced warping stresses in the road slab. Based on results concerning shrinkage strain, IRH, temperature, and the calculated internal curing water content, three main stages during the 28-day curing period were identified. Notably, the initial DH of the internal curing group was higher than that of the control group, and the decrease rate of DH with IRH was attenuated.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:48:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2628254</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Internal Curing with Fine Light Weight Aggregates (FLWA) Created from Unsuitable Coal Combustion Ash (CCA)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2672100</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This work studies the potential use of fine lightweight aggregates (FLWA) created from ‘as received’ landfill condition coal combustion ash (CCA), referred to as CCA-FLWA, for concrete internal curing applications. The innovative CCA-FLWA is manufactured using high-temperature sintering like available industrial kilns. To manufacture CCA-FLWA with desired properties for internal curing, this work first optimizes the manufacturing process and assesses CCA-FLWA properties for concrete applications. Second, concrete samples with CCA-FLWA are prepared and their internal curing performance is assessed in comparison to available FLWA in the market. Finally, a cost analysis and feasibility of implementation for future industrial application of manufactured CCA-FLWA are performed. This work demonstrates that FLWA with desired internal curing properties can be manufactured using CCA waste streams for concrete applications. Not only does CCA-FLWA meet ASTM requirements for FLWA, but also concrete made using CCA-FLWA shows promising fresh and hardened properties for internal curing applications. The industrial manufacturing of CCA-FLWA is also found feasible when compared to commercial FLWA to transfer the technology to the concrete industry.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:28:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2672100</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effect of the bifunctional reactive diluent on viscosity reduction and curing strength of cold-mixed asphalt</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2643771</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In order to improve the problems of reducing viscosity and achieving high curing strength in cold-mixed asphalt, a bifunctional reactive diluent (BRD) is proposed. The BRD effectively reduces the viscosity of reactive cold-mixed asphalt (RA), and subsequently reacts with the curing agent to improve the strength of solidified RA (S-RA). The molecular structure of the BRD was characterised. Solidified cold-mix asphalt mixture (S-CMA) was prepared and its road performance was evaluated. The results show that the BRD contains phenyl, long-chain alkanes, and carboxyl groups, which provide dual functions of viscosity reduction and reactive curing. The phenyl and long-chain alkanes penetrate and disperse the asphalt structure through solvation effects, thereby reducing viscosity. The carboxyl groups react with the curing agent to form an organic–inorganic interwoven network structure, which enhances the curing strength. When the BRD content is 20%, the viscosity reduction rate of RA exceeds 85%, resulting in excellent fluidity. After curing, the S-RA exhibits superior curing properties in terms of complex shear modulus, rutting factor, loss factor, and phase angle. Moreover, the S-CMA demonstrates outstanding mechanical strength and high-temperature rutting resistance, with a Marshall stability of 9.7 kN and a dynamic stability of 4525 cycles/mm.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:41:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2643771</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Performance of Plain and Slag Cement Mortars Modified with Superabsorbent Polymers and Nanosilica</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2625898</link>
      <description><![CDATA[One of the sustainable strategies for enhancing the durability and service life of concrete infrastructure is to improve the quality of the microstructure through internal curing. This can be achieved by the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which act as internal water reservoirs within the concrete. As cement hydrates, these reservoirs release additional water, enhancing the degree of hydration, refining the microstructure, and ultimately improving the overall performance of the concrete. This research investigates the effects of SAPs and nanosilica (NS) admixtures on plain and slag cement mortars by evaluating hydration kinetics, workability, water absorption, strength properties, drying shrinkage, and microstructural quality and integrity using the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) method. The SAP-modified mortars exhibited enhanced performance attributed to improved hydration resulting from internal curing, especially when compared with mixtures without SAP. Results show that, relative to reference mixtures, mortars with SAP developed higher strength, attained higher UPV values, and demonstrated lower water absorption and drying shrinkage. These findings suggest a refinement and densification of the microstructure resulting from improved hydration. In plain and slag cement mortars, the addition of NS admixtures alone increased water absorption and drying shrinkage while reducing UPV and strength values. However, in some cases, the combination of colloidal NS with SAP improved performance, suggesting potential synergistic effects between these two additives.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:42:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2625898</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>TR-808: A Sustainable Air-Entraining and Internal Curing Agent</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2620612</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Air entrainment of concrete is crucial to dissipate the tensile stresses introduced by the volume expansion of frozen water in the capillary pores of the concrete. The air void system achieved using popular surfactants is sensitive to the properties of cementitious materials, water content, admixtures, aggregate, etc. Furthermore, vibration, compaction, and mechanical paving can lower the efficiency of surfactants. Every 1% increase in the air volume reduces strength by 5% which could be partially compensated by higher binder content. Achieving a stable air void system without compromising the strength of concrete is the goal of this study. A bio-based hydrogel synthesized from cornstarch was investigated alongside commercially available superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and air-entraining agents. Firstly, hydrogels and SAPs were embedded in cement mortar, and their performance was assessed through hydration enhancement, void structure development, and durability improvements. The internal curing ability of hydrogels was quantified using a hydrogel capsule method, revealing cyclic water release governed by humidity gradients. Additionally, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scanning demonstrated that cornstarch hydrogels at 3% mixing water content produced a robust void structure with high porosity and small voids, without significant strength reduction. The influence of hydrogels on F-T resistance was evaluated through compression strength, mass change, scaling resistance, and chloride penetration after prolonged exposure to brine solution. While traditional air-entraining agents provided superior F-T resistance by creating small, uniformly distributed voids, they also reduced strength. Conversely, SAPs and cornstarch hydrogels improved hydration and strength retention while offering moderate scaling resistance. The microstructural analysis confirmed that bio-based hydrogels enhance both internal curing and durability, positioning them as sustainable alternatives to conventional admixtures. Overall, this research highlights the potential of bio-based hydrogels for enhancing hydration, mitigating shrinkage, and improving cementitious matrix durability under harsh environmental conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:40:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2620612</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Engineering Interlayers for Rigid Bases under Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement Slabs</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2608116</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research’s goal is to develop recommendations for improving the interlayer (“bond breaker”) used between jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) slabs and lean concrete base (LCB). A full-scale test track was built and monitored to study the slab-base interaction. The test track included four independent slabs, one with asphalt concrete (AC) base and three with LCB and one of the following interlayers: curing compound, geotextile, and microsurfacing. The curing compound interlayer represents current practice in California, U.S., for JPCP with LCB. Test track monitoring included slab curling/warping and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflection. Experiment data collected from the track indicate that AC provides much better support to the slab than LCB with curing compound interlayer. When the slab curvature was very high, the corner deflection under FWD loading in the section with LCB and curing compound was up to three times larger than the corner deflection in the section with AC base. The geotextile performed similarly to the curing compound interlayer. However, the microsurfacing considerably improved the performance of the curing compound interlayer. The corner deflection in the section with LCB and microsurfacing interlayer was similar to the corner deflection in the section with AC base. This study demonstrates that, by using the appropriate interlayer, the cracking performance of JPCP with LCB can be improved and potentially match the performance of JPCP with AC base. This outcome results in the recommendation to allow continued use of LCB for JPCP construction in California if a microsurfacing or other interface with similar performance-related properties is used.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:08:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2608116</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Comparative Investigation on the Effectiveness of a Wax and a Resin Based Curing Compound as an Alternate of Water Curing for Concrete Pavement Slab</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2408002</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this study, the effectiveness of two easily available concrete curing compounds in the Indian construction Industry namely; wax and synthetic resin-based, in comparison with water cured cubes and beams specimens of a paving concrete of 39 MPa compressive strength and 4.5 MPa flexural strength at 28-day has been reported. The concrete specimens were cast and kept for curing under different conditions such as in water, in the sunlight, and under the sunshade. Two coats of curing compounds as per the manufacturer’s instruction were applied on the surfaces of the concrete specimens and put in the sunlight and under the sunshade. The compressive and the flexural strength in comparison with water cured concrete specimens were evaluated. The study has shown 12% lower compressive strength and about 7% lower flexural strength for concrete samples cured with resin-based curing compound than the water cured samples. The study also indicates a reduction in compressive and flexural strengths of about 33% and 11%, respectively for wax-based curing compound. Finally, the study shows an upper hand for the resin-based curing compound, however, neither of them has shown potential as an alternate for the conventional water curing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:57:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2408002</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Enhanced Durability, Crack Resistance, and Cost-Effectiveness of Concrete in Infrastructure Applications</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2598425</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop durable, crack-resistant, and cost-effective concrete for U.S. infrastructure by incorporating nanomaterials derived from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo, combined with Agricultural Residue Char (ARC) for internal curing. Traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) often require high replacement percentages to achieve significant improvements, increasing the cost and complexity of mix designs. In contrast, nanomaterials, even at small dosages (1-2% by weight), have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance both the early-age and long-term performance of concrete. ARC will serve as an internal curing agent, specifically targeting improvements at later ages by reducing shrinkage and enhancing long-term crack resistance. Nanomaterials extracted from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo will be evaluated for their impact on early-age strength and durability. The objectives of the proposed study are to: (1) Develop cost-effective synthesis techniques for nanomaterials from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo; (2)  Investigate the impact of nanomaterials on early-age compressive strength and hydration; (3) Utilize ARC for internal curing to reduce shrinkage and improve long-term performance, (4) Perform ASTM C1609 (notched beam test) for crack resistance and ASTM C157 (shrinkage test) for mix designs undergoing flexural testing, and (5) Analyze the cost and performance of developed mixes compared to conventional concrete.
The project will employ a comprehensive research approach, including detailed material characterization, mix design optimization, mechanical and durability testing. Material characterization will involve advanced techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction, to analyze the structural properties of the nano materials. The concrete mixes will undergo standard workability, compressive strength, crack resistance, shrinkage and surface resistivity testing to ensure optimal mechanical and durability properties. The tasks for this study involve the following: Task 1: Literature Review and Material Acquisition; Task 2: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials; Task 3: Mix Design and Optimization; Task 4: Mechanical and Durability Testing; Task 5: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; and Task 6: Reporting and Dissemination.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:03:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2598425</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of cold spray epoxy asphalt (CSEA) for low-carbon road maintenance applications and its curing mechanism</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2563276</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Conventional hot mix epoxy asphalt (HMEA) is hindered by high carbon emissions, excessive energy consumption, and complex construction processes, limiting its widespread use. This study explores the development of a novel cold spray epoxy asphalt (CSEA) as a solution. Various physical and mechanical tests, including initial mixing viscosity (IMV), forming strength, and cured material hardness, were conducted to identify the optimal curing agent, with G-07 epoxy curing agent proving to be the most effective. The curing mechanism and characteristics of CSEA were analyzed through epoxy group conversion theory and curing reaction kinetics, employing techniques such as STA and FTIR to assess thermal stability, curing behavior, and kinetics. Results show that CSEA-7, using the selected curing agent, exhibits excellent thermal stability with a theoretical T5 value of 168.5 °C. FTIR and DSC analyses provided key insights into the curing reaction, and DSC curves facilitated the development of a linear model for its Class II curing reaction, along with a corresponding curing kinetics equation. The optimal curing process for CSEA-7 was found to be 30 min at 20 °C, followed by 7.07 min at 89.98 °C. The developed CSEA demonstrates significant potential for mechanized road maintenance and offers a promising low-carbon, low-viscosity solution for cold spray epoxy asphalt.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:42:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2563276</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Laboratory Investigation of Internal Curing Potential in Stiff Mortar Mixtures Using Expanded Clay Aggregates</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2569598</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The low water-to-cement (w/c) ratios of stiff paving mixtures such as roller-compacted concrete (RCC) pavements often pose significant challenges in moisture retention and proper curing which can lead to concrete shrinkage cracking. Traditional curing methods (e.g., external water curing) often prove insufficient as a result of RCC’s denser matrix and low permeability. As RCC pavement is a stiff and dry mixture, inadequate curing and adverse weather conditions can further lead to early structural and functional issues. The use of internal curing (IC) technology can be a solution to mitigate early cracking, particularly in stiff mixtures such as RCCs. This study investigates the effects of lightweight expanded clay aggregates (ECA) as an internal curing agent in mortar mixtures for RCC paving applications. Natural fine aggregates were partially replaced by pre-soaked ECAs at varying proportions that is, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%; their influence on stiff mortar’s water absorption and desorption capacities, degree of hydration (DOH), mechanical strength, and microstructural characteristics were investigated. The water absorption, desorption (release) potential, and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test results confirmed the suitability of ECA aggregate as an IC agent. The DOH improved by 24% to 38% and 2.8% to 13% for water and sealed curing, respectively, at varying ages. Subsequently, the compressive strength and flexural strength were found to have improved for both water curing and sealed curing. Microstructural analysis revealed a decrease in porosity while an increase in the calcium-silicate-hydrates (CSH) gels, particularly near the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) was observed. This study demonstrates that ECA can be an effective internal curing agent to mitigate water retention problems in RCC pavements, contributing to its enhanced early-age strength characteristics.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:55:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2569598</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>