Multi-scale damage characterisation of semi-flexible pavements under freeze-thaw cycles

This study aims to investigate the failure mechanism of semi-flexible pavements (SFP) under freeze-thaw conditions and to provide theoretical support for optimizing the material properties. By simulating the freeze-thaw damage process of SFP in actual service scenarios and combining various experimental methods, the strength characteristics and microstructural change rules of SFP in the freeze-thaw process are systematically analyzed. The study used freeze-thaw tests to simulate the real environment, combined with indirect tensile tests (IDT) and three-point bending tests to evaluate the mechanical properties of SFP. To further investigate the failure mechanism, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the interfacial changes between asphalt and early-strength sulphoaluminate cement (JGM301). Additionally, CT scanning was used to capture the structural changes of SFP during freeze-thaw cycles. The results showed that freeze-thaw cycles significantly and negatively affected the split tensile strength of SFP. SEM observations revealed that cracks appeared at the asphalt-cement interface (ITZ), the cement-SBS bond weakened, and the structure of the cement itself became loose. CT revealed structural changes such as cracking at the interface of the two-phase material, creation of new voids, and linkage of old voids during freeze-thawing of the SFP. In summary, the reduction in adhesion at the cement-asphalt interface and the frost swelling of JGM301 are the main reasons for the damage of SFP in freeze-thaw cycles. This study provides an important basis for an in-depth understanding of the freeze-thaw damage mechanism of SFP and optimization of its performance. •The freeze-thaw damage of Semi-flexible composite material was characterized from multi-scale.•The three-point bending test of C-AM-A beam was carried out to evaluate the fracture characteristics of C-AM-A interface under freeze-thaw.•To characterize the evolution of internal structure and porosity under freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles.