Analysis of the influence of 2D and 3D void distribution characteristics of matrix skeleton on the mechanical properties of semi-flexible pavement: industrial CT scanning and 3D reconstruction

ABSTRACT

This study aims to clarify the specific impact of the void distribution characteristics of the matrix skeleton on the mechanical properties of semi-flexible pavement (SFP) and form a targeted control method for the mechanical properties of SFP based on the gradation design of the matrix skeleton. Therefore, based on industrial CT and 3D reconstruction methods, this study comprehensively analyzed the matrix skeleton's two-dimensional and three-dimensional void distribution characteristics and conducted correlation analysis with the mechanical properties such as compression characteristics, tensile characteristics, dynamic modulus characteristics, and cracking characteristics of SFP. Research has found that the strength and rigidity of SFP are mainly positively correlated with the porosity and void's aperture of the matrix skeleton. The toughness of SFP is mainly positively correlated with the uniformity of void distribution and the three-dimensional void relative surface area index. The three-dimensional void relative surface area index is the most critical indicator affecting the mechanical properties of SFP, followed by the uniformity of void distribution, porosity, and the void's aperture.

KEYWORDS:

• Semi-flexible pavement
• matrix skeleton
• 3D reconstruction
• void distribution characteristics
• mechanical properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51778482]. And we are grateful for the funding from Anhui Transport Consulting & Design Institute Co., Ltd. (grant number JKKJ-2020-29).