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    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSJhbGwiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9ImxvY2F0aW9uIiB2YWx1ZT0iMCIgLz48L3BhcmFtcz48ZmlsdGVycz48ZmlsdGVyIGZpZWxkPSJpbmRleHRlcm1zIiB2YWx1ZT0iJnF1b3Q7TW9ydGFyJnF1b3Q7IiBvcmlnaW5hbF92YWx1ZT0iJnF1b3Q7TW9ydGFyJnF1b3Q7IiAvPjwvZmlsdGVycz48cmFuZ2VzIC8+PHNvcnRzPjxzb3J0IGZpZWxkPSJwdWJsaXNoZWQiIG9yZGVyPSJkZXNjIiAvPjwvc29ydHM+PHBlcnNpc3RzPjxwZXJzaXN0IG5hbWU9InJhbmdldHlwZSIgdmFsdWU9InB1Ymxpc2hlZGRhdGUiIC8+PC9wZXJzaXN0cz48L3NlYXJjaD4=" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <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>
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      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <item>
      <title>Microstructural Characteristics of Sand Asphalt Mortar</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2714248</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Fine aggregate matrix (FAM), an intermediate scale of asphalt concrete (AC), helps identify how small-scale mixture components affect overall AC-scale mechanical behavior. However, investigating FAM does not straightforwardly identify the influence of asphalt binders on AC fatigue behavior due to fine aggregates mixed in FAM. To address this limitation and minimize the variability caused by different fine aggregates, some researchers propose using sand asphalt mortar (SAM) to exclusively focus on the binder effect. To better represent binder characteristics using SAM, it is critical to identify the correct binder amount and its volumetric characteristics. This study aims to perform an in-depth evaluation of SAM microstructural characteristics, specifically air void (AV) and binder film thickness (FT). Thus, six SAM samples, fabricated with Ottawa sand and two types of asphalt binder at three contents (6 %, 8 %, and 10 %) were produced in cylindrical bars. Furthermore, one FAM mixture derived from its AC mixture was also evaluated for comparison. To assess location-dependent microstructural characteristics, the samples were cut into three parts (top, middle, and bottom), which were examined for measuring AV and FT. Test results showed that average AV and median FT were the best parameters to consider. SAM specimens were homogeneous in terms of FT for any content or asphalt binder type; however, in terms of AV, homogeneity was only observed at a 6 % binder content. It is noted that FT values were smaller than 60 µm from both SAM and FAM samples, which is significantly lower than the thickness used at parallel plate geometry (i.e., 1–2 mm thick) in typical rheological tests. These findings indicate that SAM is considered a reasonable mix to effectively characterize binder behavior in AC mixtures due to its realistic film geometry, which is significant for understanding the effects of binder on viscoelastic mechanical properties in AC mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:10:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2714248</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Preparation and performance of salt erosion resistant polyurethane cold patching material for asphalt pavement</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2696501</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To improve the durability of pothole patching materials in coastal salt erosion environment, this study addresses the insufficient salt resistance of conventional repair binders by developing a hydrophobic polyurethane binder. The polyurethane was co-modified with hydrophobic silica (H-SiO₂) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to produce an H-SiO₂/CaCO₃-co-PU. The surface morphology, chemical structure, and wettability were characterized, and the salt erosion resistance of binders and corresponding mixtures was evaluated using short-term and long-term salt erosion tests, with comparisons to reference binders. Results showed that the compound modification markedly enhanced hydrophobicity by reducing surface energy and introducing micro/nano-scale roughness. The optimal formulation, containing 10 wt% H-SiO₂ and 10 wt% CaCO₃, increased the water contact angle to over 109° and enhanced tensile strength by approximately 30%. After short-term salt erosion, bonding strength retention remained above 95%. Under long-term salt erosion, tensile and bonding strength retention reached about 66% and over 46%. Long-term salt erosion test resulted in only a slight increase in air voids to less than 0.3%, while the mechanical performance was effectively maintained. Hydrophobicity mainly mitigated short-term interfacial degradation by limiting moisture ingress, whereas the evolution of internal voids governed long-term strength deterioration. These results provide guidance for developing durable polyurethane-based patching materials for high-salinity coastal pavements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:35:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2696501</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A quality assessment method for recycled coarse aggregate based on image operations</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2691685</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A two-parameter quality evaluation method based on image recognition was proposed to quantitative evaluation of the weak mortar layer on the surface of recycled coarse aggregate (RA). The accuracy of traditional image recognition technology used in the interface recognition between mortar and RA is improved by constructing a clustering algorithm based on color space conversion. Thus, the accurate measurement of the mortar adhesion rate and shape coefficient based on the quantitative index of the natural aggregate particle type characteristics is realized. Results show that: (1) the clustering algorithm successfully solves the problem of the color and shadow interference between RA and mortar; (2) this method has the advantages of non-contact, low cost, automation. It can build two application modes of the online detection system and on-site portable detection equipment; (3) the quantitative evaluation system was established and can provide a scientific basis for the classification and utilisation of RA.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:50:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2691685</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lateral Behavior of Mortarless Masonry with a Simpler Interlock Configuration of Bricks and a Few Strengthening Measures</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2645438</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Construction of masonry buildings is a relatively slow process, particularly in the context of the very quick requirements in the construction industry in many developed as well as developing countries like China, Japan, the UK, and Italy. However, India and many other developing countries are not in a position to completely eliminate these masonry buildings from the viewpoint of many socioeconomic issues. An alternate way is to use interlocking bricks, leading to mortarless masonry. In fact, previous efforts have been made in this direction. However, the previous propositions didn’t become popular because the form works proposed for making interlocking bricks were complicated, which makes them difficult to be constructed in remote places; thus, the assembly of such bricks also becomes a bit complicated. In this context, the present study proposes a simple configuration of interlocking bricks and observes the performance of such mortarless masonry made of these proposed interlocking bricks, along with viable strengthening measures, experimentally. The performance is compared with traditional masonry made with mortar. From the comparison of shear capacity, flexural strength, shear modulus, and ductility, it is observed that these mortarless interlocking bricks are performing in a superior way. The lateral behavior studied in this paper gives a broad idea about the seismic performance of the same. Further, it has been explained that the use of mortarless masonry may help in reducing pollution due to the production of a lesser CO2 equivalent, as elaborated. Thus, it has the potential for making quick construction of housing units in a short time.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:02:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2645438</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effect of Hybrid Surface Treatment of Tire Rubber Aggregates on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Standardized Mortars</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2649954</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The incorporation of tire rubber aggregates in cement-based mortars reduces the consumption of natural sand but typically leads to substantial strength losses because of the weak and porous interfacial transition zone (ITZ) formed around untreated rubber. This study develops a hybrid mineral-epoxy surface treatment designed to overcome this limitation by forming a continuous composite shell composed of sand, cement, silica fume and epoxy resin. Microstructural analyses show that the treatment yields a uniformly coated rubber surface, a denser particle morphology and a markedly refined ITZ: the interfacial layer around untreated rubber is wide and highly porous (≈14–15 µm), whereas the hybrid coating reduces it to a compact band of about 1–2 µm. These refinements translate into consistent mechanical gains across all curing ages, with flexural strength increasing by 11–27 % and compressive strength by 23–76 %, depending on substitution level and age. In parallel with these mechanical and microstructural improvements, the method offers a favourable cost-performance balance, particularly thanks to the possibility of reducing resin consumption through optimisation of the adhesive film. The hybrid coating concept significantly strengthens the feasibility of producing high-performance and economically viable rubberized mortars and, ultimately, rubberized concretes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:22:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2649954</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Comparative evaluation of mechanical degradation of asphalt mortars and mixtures caused by solution erosion and the underlying mechanism</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2630939</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To investigate the evolution of the mechanical properties and the underlying degradation mechanisms of asphalt mortars and mixtures, this study combines macroscopic indirect tensile (IDT) tests, nanoscale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and a supplementary back-propagation (BP) neural network model. Results reveal a distinct scale effect where mastic hardening is more influential in mortars while interfacial weakening governs mixture performance, a process effectively mitigated by the inclusion of a modifier. In the context of this complex damage, the comprehensive secant modulus (Sbp) is established as a more robust evaluation index than other traditional single-stage indexes. The BP neural network model details that the complex performance degradation is obscured by a competing aging effect from its virgin asphalt mastic. MD simulations reveal the nanoscopic origin of this behavior, identifying that the presence of water and ions strengthens the asphalt mastic’s interaction energies, a phenomenon driven by the formation of potent hydrogen-bond and ion-dipole networks that fundamentally restructure the mastic system. Further, the long-term immersion degradation of asphalt mastic is a synergistic process governed by a thickening water film, which disrupts adhesion and creates a corrosive environment. This environment drives a dual degradation mechanism during long-term immersion: it physically disrupts interfacial adhesion while promoting the electrostatic-driven dismantling of the asphaltenic network and resin phase. This process ultimately transforms the material’s colloidal structure into a destabilized, multi-phase entity responsible for macroscopic deterioration. The study mechanistically links the mechanical degradation of asphalt mortar and mixture under solution erosion to the nanoscopic, electrostatic-driven restructuring of their mastic’s colloidal structure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:03:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2630939</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integrating a mortar model into discrete element simulation for enhanced understanding of asphalt mixture cracking</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2601641</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Because the performance and durability of asphalt pavements is affected by cracking, a full understanding of the cracking behavior is needed. Towards this, the usual method has been discrete element modeling (DEM), but the simulation of asphalt mortar, a crucial component in cracking resistance, has often been oversimplified. This study proposes a mortar model for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) simulations. To simulate pavement deterioration and fracture, the model comprises a geometric representation of mortar distribution and mechanical softening. Laboratory and virtual Superpave indirect tensile tests were performed on asphalt mixtures, variously aged and with varying aggregate gradations. The simulations reflected the laboratory test results in volumetric parameters, load displacement, and stress distribution. Small variations in strength, strain, and fracture energy between virtual and laboratory tests confirmed the accuracy of the mortar model. Compared to the 2D simulations, the 3D simulations gave a more accurate reconstruction of cracking, showing less discrepancy between virtual and laboratory results, with errors in stress, strain, and fracture energy of 5.6%, 5.7%, and 4.7%, respectively. Utilizing the mortar model in DEM simulation yielded insights into fracture angle distribution and tendencies, enabling very accurate analysis of asphalt mixture damage and cracking. This can improved the design of mixtures with excellent cracking performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2601641</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development and evaluation of composite modified cold patch asphalt and cold patch asphalt mortar</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2603314</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To address the limitations of conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) in pavement crack repair, including seasonal and climatic restrictions, high construction energy consumption, and severe fume pollution, this study developed an innovative cold patch asphalt mortar (CPAM) through composite modification of base asphalt using SBS and a one-component wet-curing polyurethane. An orthogonal test design was employed to identify key factors influencing the performance of cold patch asphalt (CPA). The comprehensive performance and modification mechanisms of the composite modified CPA were evaluated through basic performance tests, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The optimal formulation was determined as 70# asphalt: diluent: SBS: polyurethane = 100: 25: 3: 45. Furthermore, the comprehensive performance and strength mechanisms of CPAM were assessed through DSR tests, Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests, compressive tests, and Computed Tomography (CT) scanning tests. The results revealed that CPAM-LB exhibited excellent resistance to high-temperature rutting and low-temperature cracking. Additionally, CPAM-LB demonstrated superior fatigue life (Np20 = 117,164 cycles), compressive strength (0.92 MPa), and elastic modulus (6.98 MPa) compared to the other two CPAM formulations. Microstructural analysis showed that CPAM-LB formed a multi-scale pore structure that promotes both diluent volatilization and polyurethane curing, thereby significantly enhancing its mechanical properties and structural stability. Overall, this study proposes an environmentally friendly and technically feasible cold patch material with strong potential for practical application in asphalt pavement crack repair.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:28:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2603314</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Exploring the physical hardening characteristics of asphalt mortars and mixtures based on gradient particle size</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2590955</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Current research on asphalt physical hardening predominantly focuses on the polymer scale and microscopic characterization, while systematic studies on the response mechanisms of asphalt mortars and mixtures remain limited. In this study, six asphalt mortars and mixtures with gradient nominal maximum aggregate sizes (2.36–10 mm) were designed, and small-scale specimens were prepared. Utilizing a self-designed loading device, stress relaxation and low-temperature bending tests were conducted to reveal the particle size effect and multivariable response mechanisms under the physical hardening. The results show that in destructive tests, 4.75 mm serves as the critical particle size threshold for studying physical hardening effects. When the nominal maximum aggregate size exceeds 4.75 mm, the inhomogeneity in specimen composition tends to obscure the observable physical hardening effects. Moreover, the aggregate gradation—specifically gradation type and nominal maximum aggregate size—substantially impact the susceptibility of asphalt-based materials to physical hardening, through their effects on the distribution of free and structured asphalt and on asphalt–aggregate interface defects. In addition, this study introduces a set of quantitative evaluation indices for physical hardening effects, defining the residual stress ratio difference (ΔRSR) to assess the degradation of relaxation performance, and proposing the physical hardening rate (PHR) based on fracture energy decay rate. The findings provide a theoretical basis for particle size control and gradation optimization in anti-cracking design of asphalt pavements in cold regions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:02:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2590955</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of polymer resin mortars for surface repair of porous asphalt pavements</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2571268</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Porous asphalt pavements provide essential drainage and noise-reduction benefits but are susceptible to surface degradation due to their open-graded structure. This study evaluates three polymer resin mortars—methyl methacrylate (MMA), epoxy, and urethane—for surface-level repair, with emphasis on mechanical performance and permeability retention. MMA was excluded from full testing after preliminary trials showed inadequate polymerisation under ambient conditions. Epoxy and urethane mortars, formulated with No. 4 and No. 5 graded silica sands at 10–14 % binder contents, were tested for flexural and compressive strength, adhesion, and air-void preservation. Epoxy consistently outperformed urethane in strength, achieving maximum average values of 30.5 MPa in compressive strength and 13.56 MPa in flexural strength at 14 % binder. In comparison, urethane reached maximum average values of 5.51 MPa and 2.87 MPa, respectively, across trials for each variation. However in adhesion testing, urethane achieved a peak bond strength of 0.49 MPa, compared to 0.40 MPa for epoxy. Both systems preserved internal voids within the 16.1–18.1 % range. In situ falling-head permeability tests confirmed that epoxy repairs maintained drainage capacity, with head-drop times (15.57 ± 0.24 s) closely matching those of untreated porous asphalt (15.48 ± 0.08 s). Overall, epoxy is recommended for high-strength, permeability-compatible repairs in porous pavements, while urethane may be suitable for adhesion-critical applications under moderate loading conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:03:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2571268</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Upcycling waste wind turbine blades into fiber-reinforced asphalt mortar: A chemical recycling approach and performance assessment</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2571263</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Wind turbine blades (WTBs), primarily composed of thermoset glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), present significant recycling challenges and environmental concerns. This study aims to develop an efficient recycling process for glass fibers from WTBs and evaluate their reinforcement effects on asphalt materials at the asphalt mortar scale. A chemical recycling method utilizing solvent treatment is proposed, which successfully extracts high-quality glass fibers. These recycled fibers are then incorporated into asphalt mortar, and mechanical tests are conducted to assess their viscoelastic and damage properties using viscoelastic and viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) theories. The results indicate that the recycled glass fibers increase the dynamic modulus and reduce the phase angle of asphalt mortar, particularly at lower frequencies. Additionally, a higher fiber content improves the relaxation spectrum and relaxation modulus in time domain. The glass fibers also improve anti-fracture properties, reflected in higher initial stiffness and peak stress. A moderate fiber content enhances deformation capacity and fatigue life, whereas excessive glass fiber content reduces both due to weakened adhesion between the fibers and asphalt matrix. Computational modeling on microstructural models reveals that glass fibers serve as bridging elements within the asphalt mortar, bearing significantly higher stress than the aggregate and matrix, particularly under low-frequency loads, emphasizing the importance of strong fiber-matrix bonding. Overall, this study offers valuable insight into the reuse of WTBs in pavement engineering and highlights the need for future research to improve bonding between recycled glass fibers and asphalt binders.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:03:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2571263</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigating the influence of calcium sulfate whiskers as mineral admixtures on the fatigue properties of asphalt mortar under ultraviolet aging conditions</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2585778</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The performance degradation of asphalt mortar under ultraviolet radiation leads to asphalt pavement diseases such as cracking and potholes. In this paper, Calcium Sulfate Whiskers (CSW) was adopted to enhance the fatigue properties of asphalt mortar under ultraviolet (UV) aging conditions. Two types of asphalt (70# matrix asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt) after UV aging (5 T, 10 T, and 15 T) were adopted to prepare asphalt mortar, and three CSW content levels (10 %, 30 %, and 50 %) were choice to substitute the mineral powder. Linear amplitude sweep test was used to evaluate the mechanical properties and damage evolution of CSW-asphalt mortar. The results showed that the effect of CSW on the damage change of mechanical properties of two asphalt mortars is different under ultraviolet aging conditions, and when the substitution rate of CSW is 50 % and 10 %, the mechanical properties of 70# asphalt mortar and SBS modified asphalt mortar are remarkably increased. The critical strain and critical stress are the effective indicators to assess the ultraviolet aging resistance performance of asphalt mortars. In the 0–0.05 % strain levels, the damage change of CSW-70# asphalt mortar is followed the decay power function model, and that of CSW-SBS modified asphalt mortar is suitable for the viscoelastic continuum damage model. In addition, the model parameters of CSW-70# asphalt mortar and CSW-SBS modified asphalt mortar are strongly correlated with the substitution rates of CSW and UV aging times respectively.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:29:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2585778</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Recycled Materials in Vertical Moisture Barriers: Phase II Study Report of UTEP</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2567134</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project was to identify waste material, evaluate the feasibility of its safe usage as a vertical moisture barrier and develop guidelines/specifications for usage by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The project was divided into three phases: Phase I, Comprehensive literature review and identification of waste material, Phase ll, Evaluation of identified waste material, and Phase III, Development of guidelines and specifications for the usage of recycled material as a vertical moisture barrier. The purpose of this report is to submit the findings of the second phase work performed at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The flyash was mixed with different proportions of cement, sand, and water to form a mortar and then this mortar was evaluated in terms of its compressive strength, mobility of heavy metals, permeability, and shrinkage potential. Various proportions of flyash, cement, sand, and water were used in an attempt to select the best proportion that can be economically used in the field.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2025 17:47:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2567134</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Deep Learning and Genetic Programming-Based Soft-Computing Prediction Models for Metakaolin Mortar</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2491065</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study proposes a state-of-the-art deep neural network (DNN) and genetic programming (GP)-based methodology for the prediction of the CS of metakaolin mortar. The growing use of metakaolin mortar as a cement substitute reduces emissions and enhances concrete properties, but the complexity of blends hinders reliable CS prediction. Traditional methods are costly and slow, whereas modern soft-computing models offer efficient, accurate solutions. A comprehensive 421 experimental database was compiled for the literature, incorporating variables such as the cement grade, age, water-to-binder ratio, sand particle size distribution, and plasticizer amount. The performance of the proposed models was assessed using several performance indices. Additionally, the associated errors of the proposed models are plotted as an error histogram. The findings underscore the potential of DNN and GP models in metakaolin mortar design and optimization, highlighting their utility in understanding the influence of mix parameters on CS. The DNN is concluded to be the best-simulated model in the study; however, the performance of GP is also encouraging and provides an edge with its user-friendly empirical expression.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:05:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2491065</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>
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