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Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increased use of reclaimed asphalt (RA) in Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs), shortcomings in the existing design guidelines and manuals and ongoing developments in the concepts and understanding of these materials require further research into the fundamental properties and behaviour of BSMs. The state-of-the-art of foamed bitumen techniques is reviewed in the literature study. Current best practices in the design of BSMs and pavements incorporating such materials are also included in this literature study. Shortcomings and areas for further improvement of the design practice have been identified. With new environmental legislation, the importance of BSM technology including RA as an environmentally-friendlier and more sustainable construction technique is set to increase in the coming years. Changes in the behaviour of materials and failure mechanisms of BSM mixes are long-term phenomena. This implies that the study of the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the mixes with increasing amount of RA is vital. Therefore, fundamental understandings of moisture damage and thermo-physical characteristics, which are related to material properties, are required. The main objective of this study is to advance BSM technology by assessing the influence of the selected materials on durability behaviour, temperature distribution and long-term performance in all phases of application (i.e. mix design, construction, and in-service condition). This study begins with a comprehensive literature review of research dealing with the interactions between RA and mineral aggregates. The properties of RA and mineral aggregates were reviewed. This was followed by a review into the mechanical properties of BSM-foam mixes with high percentage of RA and its durability performance. Factors influencing the temperature gradient of BSMs were then identified. Achieving a better understanding of the fundamental performance properties and temperature influence on the behaviour of BSMs with high percentage of RA is one of the key factors of this research, with a view to using the extended knowledge for improvements to current mix design and structural design practices. Finally, the fundamental theories on thermo-conductivity and the mechanical properties of the BSM were used to create a relationship between temperature and mechanical properties in a pavement section. A laboratory testing programme was set up to study the properties and behaviour of BSMs and to establish links with the compositional factors, i.e. the type of binder used, the percentage of RA in the mix and the addition of a small amount of cement as active filler. BSMs were blended in three different proportions of RA and good quality crushed stone materials: 100% RA (with 2 % bitumen content), 50% RA and 50% G2 Hornfels crushed stone (with 2.1% bitumen content) and 100% G2 (with 2.3 % bitumen content). Tri-axial testing was carried out to determine shear parameters, resilient modulus and permanent deformation behaviour, while brushing testing was carried out to determine the possible durability performance of the BSMs. The mixture durability in terms of moisture damage was investigated. Temperature data were collected and a model to accurately simulate the temperature distribution in the BSMs was identified and proposed for further investigation and validation. It was found from the laboratory temperature data collected in this study that the temperature gradient varied according to the depth of the BSMs. A considerable part of the efforts of this study were dedicated to characterise and model the temperature distribution in a pavement section, taking into account the mechanical properties and performance of the BSMs at different temperature layers. The study provides an insight into fundamental mechanical performance, material durability properties, and the thermal capacity and conductivity of the BSM-foam mixes with high percentage of RA. This will assist in improving the current procedure for selection, combining and formulation of the mix matrices for BSMs. In addition, the study provides guidelines that will enable practitioners to confidently understand the relationship between temperature gradient and mechanical behaviours of BSM-foam pavement section. The specific durability-related issues addressed in this study are substance for future research. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die toenemende gebruik van herwonne asfalt (Engels: reclaimed asphalt (RA)) in bitumen gestabiliseerde materiaal (Engels: Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs)), tekortkominge in die bestaande ontwerpriglyne- en handleidings en deurlopende verbeteringe in die konsepte en begrip van hierdie material vereis verdere navorsing oor die fundamentele eienskappe en gedrag van BSM. In die literatuurstudie word die huidige stand van kennis van die ontwerp van skuimbitumentegnieke ondersoek. Die literatuurstudie dek ook die huidige beste praktyke in die ontwerp van BSM en plaveisels wat hierdie materiale insluit. Tekortkominge en areas van verdere verbetering in die ontwerppraktyke is geïdentifiseer. Onlangse omgewingswetgewing verhoog die belangrikheid van BSM tegnologie, insluitend RA, as ‘n meer omgewingsvriendelike en volhoubare konstruksie-tegniek. Hierdie faktor sal in die toekoms al hoe belangriker word. Die verandering in die gedrag van materiaal en die falingsmeganismes van BSM mengsels is langtermynverskynsels. Dit impliseer dat die studie van die fisio-chemiese en meganiese eienskappe van mengsels met toenemende verhoudings van RA van kardinale belang is’n Fundamentele begrip van die vogskade en temo-fisiese eienskappe, wat verwant is aan die materiale se eienskappe, word vereis. Die primêre doelwit van die studie is die bevordering van BSM tegnologie deur die invloed van die geselekteerde materiale op duursaamheid, temperatuurverspreiding en langtermyn gedrag in al die fases van toepassing (mengselontwerp, konstruksie en in-dienstoestand) te bepaal. Die verhandeling begin met ‘n omvattende literatuuroorsig van navorsing oor die interaksie tussen RA en mineraalaggregate. Die eienskappe van RA en die mineraalaggregate word bespreek. Dit word gevolg deur ‘n oorsig van die meganiese eienskappe van die BSM-skuimbitumenmengsels met ‘n hoë persentasie RA en die duursaamheidgedrag daarvan. Faktore wat die temperatuurgradient van BSM beïnvloed word dan aangetoon. ‘n Beter begrip van die fundamentele gedragseienskappe en die invloed van temperatuur op die gedrag van BSM met ‘n hoë persentasie RA is een van die sleutelfaktore van hierdie navorsing. Dit het ten doel om die uitgebreide kennis te gebruik om huidige mengselontwerp en strukturele ontwerppraktyke te verbeter. Laastens is die fundamentele teorie van termogeleiding en die meganiese eienskappe van BSM gebruik om ‘n verhouding tussen temperature en meganiese eienskappe in ‘n plaveiselsnit te ontwikkel. ‘n Laboratoriumtoetsprogram is opgestel om die eienskappe en gedrag van BSM te bestudeer en om verwantskappe tussen samestellende faktore soos die tipe bindmiddel gebruik, die persentasie RA in die mengsel en die toediening van klein hoeveelhede sement as aktiewe vuller te bepaal. BSM is in drie verskillende verhoudings van RA en goeie gehalte gebreekte klipmateriaal vermeng: 100% RA met 2 % bitumen, 50% RA en 50 % G2 Hornfels gebreekte klip met 2.1 % bitumen en 100% G2 met 2.3 % bitumen. Drie-assige druktoetse is gebruik om skuifsterkteparameters, elastiese modulus en permanente vervormingsgedrag te bepaal. Borseltoetse is gebruik om die duursaamheidgedrag van BSM te bepaal. Die mengsels se duursaamheid is ook in terme van vogskade ondersoek.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chip and spray surfacing seals has been widely used in South Africa as the preferred surface treatment for rural roads. The design of these seals has also experienced renewed interest and continuous development in several other countries over the past two decades. In South Africa seals are continually used as increasing attention is given to the periodic maintenance of existing surfaced roads. There is also a significant increase in the use of surfacing seals in North America as the need to develop more energy and resource efficient surfacing options becomes a priority. Despite this growing use of surface seals, the seal design and especially the selection of binder type and grade does not always follow scientific processes. Seals are often designed based on client preference, previous experience, material availability and industry trends. With an ageing road network and limited funding to ensure timeous maintenance, the focus in South Africa is moving towards more stringent and scientific design processes. The USA and Europe, forced by increasing traffic volumes and heightened performance demands, are moving towards performance- based specification to account for deficiencies in their current surface seal design methods. One of the major failure mechanisms of surface seals is ravelling which takes place when the binder and the aggregate bond becomes weak and are broken by the forces generated by traffic. This leads to loose aggregate on the road which in turns leads to bare surface patches and broken windscreens. To prevent and address this as part of the development of performance-based specifications, the need for a simple and inexpensive technique for evaluating bitumen and bitumen emulsion bond strength development over time, as well as binder-aggregate compatibility, was identified. Although various tests exist for investigating adhesion between bituminous emulsions and aggregate chips most of the tests does not deliver the level of information required by the performance-based specifications. The Bitumen Bond Strength (BBS) test method was therefore developed with the aim to address some of the limitations encountered in evaluating bond strength between binders and aggregates. The BBS test (AASHTO TP-91, 2011) was developed by the University of Wisconsin – Madison (UWM) in partnership with the University of Ancona – Italy (UAI) and the University of Stellenbosch – South Africa (US) specifically for evaluating bond strength between aggregates and hot applied binders and emulsions, respectively. US became involved in BBS test efforts in 2008 to assist in the development and practical evaluation of the BBS test method. UAI contributed significantly to the development of the test apparatus through their work in conjunction with UWM. Due to time and resources available, the involvement of the US was limited to various discussion sessions, a study tour, the evaluation of the BBS test, and conducting a series of control tests. By using the Bitumen Bond Strength test it was possible to evaluate the practicality and repeatability of the developed procedure and the results measured was successfully used to evaluate the bond strength development of modified and unmodified bitumen emulsions on tillite and granite aggregates. It was also possible to correlate the results achieved at the University of Stellenbosch with results from the University of Wisconsin-Madison due to the fact that testing took place at both institutions. The development of the test and the inter-laboratory test results in essence reinforced the hypothesis that the BBS test protocol can be used to effectively evaluate bond strength of different emulsion types and aggregate types. Except for the loading rate which is a known critical influence, the emulsion type and curing intervals are both identified as the most significant other factors contributing to bond strength development. Aggregate type is also identified as a significant factor that will influence the bond strength development. Interactions between emulsion type and curing interval are identified as the most significant interaction. A lot of further validation test on the BBS test method is still required for the test to be integrated into a performance-based specification system for surface seals. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: “Chip and Spray” oppervlak seëls is die verkose seël tipe vir gebruik op Suid Afrikaanse plattelandse paaie. Die ontwerp van hierdie tipe seëls is ook tans besig om hernude aandag te trek in heelwat lande. In Suid Afrika word die tipe seël al meer gebruik soos die behoefte na herseël projeke op die verouderde pad netwerk groei . Daar is ook heelwat groei in die gebruik van “Chip en Spray” seëls in Noord Amerika aangesien daar n behoefte is om n meer energie en materiaal effektiewe seëls te gebruik. Ten spyte van die groeiende gebruik van hierdie seëls het daar min wetenskaplike ontwikkeling plaasgevind in the ontwerp daarvan. Seëls word meestal ontwerp gebaseer op klient voorkeur , ondervinding, materiaal beskikbaarheid en ook industrie norms. ‘n Verouderde pad netwerk dwing die Suid Afrikaanse industrie om meer deeglike en wetenskaplike ontwerp prosedures te volg. Die VSA en Europa word deur vinnig groeiende verkeersvolumes en verhoogte kwaliteits behoeftes gedwing om prestasie gebaseerde spesifikasies te ontwikkel. Een van die hoof defekte op seëls is klipverlies wat plaasvind as die verbinding tussen die bitumen en aggregaat verswak en gebreek word deur die kragte wat deur verkeer oorgedra word. Dit lei tot los klip op die pad wat weer tot skade aan voertuie lei. Om dit te voorkom en aan te spreek het die behoefte laat ontwikkel vir n maklike en goedkoop tegniek om te meet hoe sterk die verbinding is wat ontwikkel tussen verskillende bitumen, bitumen emulsies en aggregaat monsters. Alhoewel daar alreeds toetse bestaan wat kan toets hoe sterk die verbinding is , gee die meeste van die toetse nie die informasie wat benodig word deur die voorgestelde prestasie gedrewe spesfikasies nie. Die “Bitumen Bond Strength” (BBS) toets metode is daarom ontwikkel om die tekortkoming in die toets van die bitumen en aggregaat verdindinge aan te spreek. Die BBS toets (AASHTO TP-91, 2011) is ontwikkel by die Universiteit van Wisconsin – Madison (UWM) in vennootskap met die Universiteit van Ancona – Italy (UAI) en die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (US) , spesifiek om die die sterkte van die verbinding wat vorm tussen aggregaat en bitumen te meet. Die US het in 2008 betrokke geraak by die BBS toets studie om hulp te verleen met die ontwikkeling en praktiese evalueering van die BBS toets metode. As gevolg van tyd en personeel tekorte is die betrokkendheid by die US beperk tot verskeie besprekings sessies, n studie toer, die evalueering van die BBS toets sowel as die voltooing van n uitgebreide stel toetse. Deur die voltooing van eksperimente met die BBS toets was dit moontlik om die uitvoerbaarheid en herhaalbaarheid van die ontwikkelde prosedure te toets. Die resultate van die toetse is suksesvol gebruik om die ontwikkeling van die verbinding sterkte tussen gemodifiseerde en ongemodifiseerde bitumen emulsies en tilliet en graniet te definïeer en te evalueer. Dit was ook moontlik om die resultate van die Universiteit Stellenbosch en die Universiteit of Wisconsin-Madison suksesvol met mekaar te vergelyk aangesien toetse by beide die instansies voltooi is. Die ontwikkeling van die toets en die inter laboratorium toets resultate het dit moontlik gemaak om die hipotese te bevestig dat die BBS toets prosedure effektief gebruik kan word om die bitumen en aggregaat verdindinge te toets en te evalueer. Behalwe vir die tempo van die lading waarteen die aftrek sterkte getoets word , is die emulsie tipe en die nabehandeling tydperk beide geidentifiseer as die mees beduidende invloede wat bydrae tot die ontwikkeling van die verbinding sterkte. Die aggregaat tipe is ook geidentifiseer as n belangrike faktor wat die verbinding sterkte ontwikkeling sal beïnvloed. Die interaksie tussen die emulsie tipe en nabehandeling tydperk was geïdentifiseer as die mees beduidende interaksie. Daar sal wel nog heelwat eksperimente voltooi moet word met die BBS toets prosedure voordat dit volkome geïntegreer kan word as deel van n prestasie gebaseerde spesifikasie stelsel vir die ontwerp van seëls.

The goal is to perform heat measurements examine of selected roofing material samples. Those roofing materials are asphalt shingles, ceramics, and cedar. It’s important to understand the concept of heat transfer, which consists of conduction, convection, and radiation. Research work was reviewed on different infrared devices to see which one would be suitable for conducting my experiment. In this experiment, the main focus was on a specific property of radiation. That property is the emissivity, which is the amount of heat a material is able to radiate compared to a blackbody. An infrared measuring device, such as the infrared camera was used to determine the emissivity of each sample by using a measurement formula consisting of certain equations. These equations account for the emissivity, transmittance of heat through the atmosphere and temperatures of the samples, atmosphere and background. The experiment verifies how reasonable the data is compared to values in the emissivity table. A blackbody method such as electrical black tape was applied to help generate the correct data. With this data obtained, the emissivity was examined to understand what factors and parameters affect this property of the materials. This experiment was conducted using a suitable heat source to heat up the material samples to high temperature. The measurements were taken during the experiment and displayed by the IR camera. The IR images show the behavior of surface temperatures being distributed throughout the different materials. The main challenge was to determine the most accurate emissivity values for all material samples. The results obtained by the IR camera were displayed in figures and tables at different distances, which was between the heap lamp and materials. The materials exhibited different behaviors in temperature and emissivity at certain distances. The emissivity of each material varied with different temperatures. The results led to suggestions of certain materials that could be beneficial and disadvantageous in energy and cost savings during cold and hot seasons of the year. Also this led to some uncertainties in the data generated. Overall, this can support in exploring other ideas to increase energy and cost saving consistently during both season by using a material that can change its color and density based on a high or low temperature.

by Chu Shun-wah, Sum Pun-wah, Jeremy. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-86). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Background Information of the ILF --- p.2 / Paving Operations --- p.2 / Working Environment --- p.7 / Chapter II. --- PRELIMINARY UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS --- p.9 / Interview with Staff Side od the ILF --- p.9 / Interview with the Management side of the ILF --- p.10 / Chapter III. --- STATISTICAL ANALYSIS --- p.12 / Explanatory Notes for the Cost Elements --- p.13 / Data Analysis --- p.16 / Sampling --- p.17 / Visual comparison of the cost data --- p.18 / Statistical Parameters Analysis --- p.19 / Test for the Equality of Variances for Both Samples --- p.20 / Test for the Equality of Means for Both Samples --- p.21 / Interpretation of Results --- p.23 / Paired T-test --- p.25 / Chapter IV. --- MAIN COST FACTORS ANALYSIS --- p.26 / Salary of Direct Labour --- p.26 / Material Cost --- p.28 / Hire of Services --- p.30 / Chapter V. --- SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS --- p.33 / Salary of Direct Labour --- p.33 / Material Cost --- p.36 / Hire of Services --- p.37 / Chapter VI. --- ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS --- p.39 / Visual Comparison of Cost Data After Allocation of Fixed Cost --- p.41 / Statistical Analysis --- p.42 / Interpretation of Results of Alternative Analysis --- p.44 / Chapter VII. --- GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.45 / Chapter VIII. --- CONCLUSION --- p.52 / APPENDIX --- p.64 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.85

La caractérisation du comportement des matériaux bitumineux est primordiale pour pouvoir dimensionner les structures de chaussées, mais aussi pour prédire de manière plus précise leur durée de vie. En effet, ces matériaux sont soumis à des phénomènes complexes, mécaniques, thermiques, physiques et chimiques qui apparaissent souvent de manière couplée. Devant la complexité des problèmes observés et avec l’apparition des nouveaux matériaux et nouvelles techniques de fabrication, des études avancées de laboratoire et des modélisations rhéologiques sont nécessaires. Les méthodes existantes permettent de caractériser les matériaux en laboratoire grâce à l’utilisation de presses hydrauliques très couteuses. De plus, la plupart de ces essais ne sont pas adaptés à une utilisation directe sur chaussées. Dans cette thèse, un essai dynamique qui repose sur le phénomène de propagation d’onde a été développé pour caractériser les enrobés bitumineux dans le domaine viscoélastique linéaire. Il s’agit d’un essai non destructif, bien moins couteux que les essais existants et qui pourrait à terme s’adapter à une utilisation in-situ. Des méthodes complexes d’analyse inverse de propagation d’ondes en milieu viscoélastique ont été mises au point afin d’obtenir les propriétés thermomécaniques des enrobés bitumineux à partir des signaux mesurés expérimentalement. Les propriétés viscoélastiques linéaires de différents enrobés bitumineux déterminées à partir de l’essai dynamique développé ont été comparées aux résultats obtenus avec des essais cycliques plus conventionnels de traction-compression. / Characterizing the behaviour of bituminous materials is essential for the design of pavement structures and to predict their service life more accurately. Indeed, these materials are subjected to complex phenomenon, mechanical, thermal, physical and chemical that are often coupled. Due to the complexity of the phenomenon observed and with the emergence of new materials and new production techniques, advances laboratories studies and rheological modelling are necessary. With the existing methods, it is possible to characterize the materials in laboratories using expensive hydraulic presses. Moreover, most of these tests cannot be used directly on pavement structures. In this thesis, a dynamic test based on wave propagation was developed to characterize bituminous mixtures in the linear viscoelastic domain. It is a nondestructive test, far less expensive than the existing tests and that could be adapted for in situ measurements. Complex methods of inverse analysis of wave propagation in a viscoelastic medium were developed to obtain the thermomechanical properties of bituminous mixtures from the signals measured experimentally. The linear viscoelastic properties of different mixtures obtained from the developed dynamic test were compared to the results of more conventional cyclic tension-compression tests.

M. Tech. Civil Engineering. / Evaluates various laboratory test methods to assess rutting potential in the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and the effects of compaction methods. To achieve this objective, rutting potential of HMA samples prepared and compacted in the laboratory, and in the field was evaluated using different laboratory test methods under a range of temperatures and loads.

Diante da retomada do crescimento do agronegÃcio do AgropÃlo do Baixo Jaguaribe, a melhoria da malha viÃria da regiÃo tornou-se imprescindÃvel. No entanto, o baixo volume de trÃfego registrado nas rodovias locais, a baixa qualidade dos materiais ocorrentes na regiÃo e os parcos recursos disponÃveis para investimentos em infra-estrutura, inviabilizam economicamente os empreendimentos rodoviÃrios. Tornou-se entÃo necessÃria a busca por soluÃÃes alternativas que reduzam os custos de implementaÃÃo e melhoria de pavimentos. Acredita-se que a adiÃÃo de emulsÃo asfÃltica aos solos ocorrentes na regiÃo, devido Ãs suas propriedades aglutinantes e impermeabilizantes, pode constituir-se em uma dessas alternativas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade tÃcnica da estabilizaÃÃo betuminosa de solos ocorrentes no AgropÃlo do Baixo Jaguaribe, no Estado do CearÃ, para o emprego em camadas de base de rodovias. Para tanto, foram selecionados trÃs solos da regiÃo para o estudo da estabilizaÃÃo com a adiÃÃo da emulsÃo asfÃltica de ruptura lenta (RL-1C). As variÃveis investigadas foram o teor de emulsÃo aplicado (2%, 5% e 8%), o tempo de cura seca ao ar livre (sem cura, 7 dias e 28 dias de cura), e a forma de distribuiÃÃo da emulsÃo (distribuiÃÃo uniforme ou em gradiente decrescente com a profundidade). As misturas solo-emulsÃo foram submetidas à avaliaÃÃo da resistÃncia mecÃnica (por meio dos ensaios de resistÃncia à compressÃo simples, resistÃncia à traÃÃo por compressÃo diametral, Ãndice de Suporte CalifÃrnia e mÃdulo de resiliÃncia) e à avaliaÃÃo da resistÃncia ao desgaste e à abrasÃo (por meio dos ensaios adaptados Loaded Wheel Test â LWT e Wet Track Abrasion Test â WTAT). Foi observado que a estabilizaÃÃo betuminosa promoveu incrementos de resistÃncia das amostras de solos estudadas, sendo essa resistÃncia dependente da umidade residual dos corpos de prova no momento da realizaÃÃo do ensaio. Os resultados indicaram tambÃm que a adiÃÃo de emulsÃo asfÃltica tem efeitos distintos para os vÃrios tipos de solos, sendo que a quantidade de sÃlica presente nas amostras parece influenciar a qualidade das misturas solo-emulsÃo. Conclui-se, à luz dos ensaios realizados, que algumas amostras de solos ocorrentes na RegiÃo do Baixo Jaguaribe podem ser satisfatoriamente estabilizadas com emulsÃo asfÃltica. / Taking into account that the agribusiness of Baixo Jaguaribeâs Agricultural Pole is developing again, it is essential to improve the road network of the area. However, the low traffic volume observed in the local highways, the low quality of the materials in the area and the limited available resources to invest on infrastructure make the road constructions economically unfeasible. Therefore, it became necessary to search for alternative solutions that reduce the implementation costs and improve pavements. It is considered that the addition of asphalt emulsion to the soils in the area can be one of those alternatives, due to its agglutinative and waterproof properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the technical viability of the bituminous stabilization of soils occurring in the Agricultural Pole of Baixo Jaguaribe, in the State of CearÃ, to be used in base layers of highways. For that purpose, it was selected three soils on the area to the study of the stabilization with the addition of a cationic slow setting asphalt emulsion. The variables investigated were the rate of emulsion applied (2%, 5% and 8%), the open air dry curing time (without cure, 7 days and 28 days), and the emulsion distribution (uniform distribution or in decreasing gradient with depth). The soil-emulsion mixtures were evaluated regarding their mechanical resistance (through the compression strength test, diametrical compression test, California Bearing Ratio and the resilience modulus test) and their resistance to wearing and abrasion (through the adapted tests Loaded Wheel Test - LWT and Wet Track Abrasion Test - WTAT). It was observed that the bituminous stabilization produced an increase in the resistance of the soil samples studied, that resistance being dependent on the residual humidity of the test specimens in the moment of test conduction. The results also indicated that the addition of asphalt emulsion has different effects for the several types of soils, so that the amount of silica present in the samples seems to influence the quality of the soil-emulsion mixtures. According to the tests carried out, it was concluded that some samples of soils present in the area of Baixo Jaguaribe can be satisfactorily stabilized with asphalt emulsion.

Les enrobés bitumineux ont été utilisés habituellement dans des constructions routières et récemment sous les ballasts des ferroviaires. Sa grande rigidité aux températures relativement basses de l’ambiance et à haute fréquence explique son application répandue en Europe du nord. Ce matériau a été étudié au niveau global par à la fois des essais empiriques, expérimentaux et des approches analytiques. Pourtant, l’enrobé bitumineux possède un structure interne hétérogène et complexe qui peut-être engendrer des comportements complexe. Les analyses au niveau local permettent alors de compléter les connaissances de ses comportements.De nos jours, la méthode des éléments discrets est connue comme un outil numérique répandu dans le domaine granulaire. Elle peut modéliser son comportement à travers des modèles locaux et fournir des informations de sa structure interne. Une part, cette méthode considère que les particules sont quasi-solides. Son déplacement est régi par les lois de mouvement. L’autre part, le chevauchement au niveau de contact entre particules est admis. L’interpénétration des particules est calculée par les lois de contact locaux associées. Cette thèse constitue une maquette numérique des enrobés bitumineux dont les particules isolées s’interagissent à travers des lois d’interaction à distance. Cette maquette prend en compte la granulométrie des granulats (>1mm) et son rapport volumique vis-à-vis du mastic constitué par des grains (<1mm), le liant et des vides. Les granulats (>1mm) seuls sont modélisés par des particules numériques, tandis que du mastic est pris en compte par des lois d’interaction. Au premier lieu, une simulation élastique est réalisée afin de reproduire des comportements asymptotiques élastiques d’un enrobé bitumineux de référence de type GB3 qui apparaissent lors des conditions extrêmes (fréquence ou température). Des lois d’interaction élastiques ont appliqué à la maquette numérique créée. Sur deux directions normale et tangentielles, les raideurs du ressort et leur rapport sont constantes.Ensuite, les simulations viscoélastiques sont réalisées pour reproduire le comportement viscoélastique du même matériau de référence. Au premier temps, une loi d’interaction de type Kelvin-Voigt est utilisée pour mettre en évidence qualitativement l’application d’une loi viscoélastique. Ensuite, le comportement viscoélastique globale est modélisé à niveau des particules par quelques lois d’interaction de type 1KV1R (un Kelvin-Voigt et un ressort en série) repartant au réseau d’interaction de la maquette numérique. Les raideurs des ressorts prenant en compte la géométrie de l’interface de particules sont constantes pour toutes les modèle de 1KV1R. Cependant, des viscosités des amortisseurs sont différentes. Certaines hypothèses sont examinées pour distribuer ses viscosités dans le réseau d’interaction. A la fin des études, les analyses des efforts internes sont réalisées. / Bituminous mixtures have traditionally been used in road constructions and recently under railway ballast. Its high rigidity at relatively low ambient temperatures and high frequency explains its widespread application in northern Europe. This material has been studied at the global level by both empirical, experimental and analytical approaches. However, the asphalt has a heterogeneous internal structure and complex which may cause complex behavior. The analysis at the local level then make it possible to supplement the knowledge of its behaviors.Nowadays, the method of discrete elements is known as a numerical tool spread in the granular field. It can model its behavior through local models and provide information about its internal structure. On the one hand, this method considers that the particles are quasi-solid. Its displacement is governed by the laws of motion. On the other hand, the overlap at the particle contact level is allowed. The interpenetration of the particles is calculated by the associated local contact laws. This thesis constitutes a numerical model of bituminous mixes whose isolated particles interact through laws of interaction at a distance. This model takes into account the granulometry of the aggregates (> 1 mm) and its volume ratio with respect to the mastic constituted by grains (<1 mm), the binder and voids. The aggregates (> 1 mm) alone are modeled by numerical particles, while mastic is taken into account by laws of interaction.First, an elastic simulation is performed in order to reproduce the elastic asymptotic behaviors of a reference bituminous mix of GB3 type that appear during extreme conditions (frequency or temperature). Elastic interaction laws have applied to the created numerical model. In both normal and tangential directions, the stiffness of the spring and its ratio are constant.Then, the viscoelastic simulations are performed to reproduce the viscoelastic behavior of the same reference material. At first, a Kelvin-Voigt interaction law is used to qualitatively highlight the application of a viscoelastic law. Then, the global viscoelastic behavior is modeled at the level of the particles by some laws of interaction of type 1KV1R (a Kelvin-Voigt and a spring in series) leaving again to the network of interaction of the numerical model. The stiffness of the springs taking into account the geometry of the particle interface is constant for all models of 1KV1R. However, the viscosities of the dashpots are different. Some hypotheses are examined to distribute its viscosities in the interaction network. At the end of the studies, the analysis of the internal efforts are carried out.

Les tabliers métalliques à dalle orthotrope sont sensibles au phénomène de fatigue produit par les charges des poids lourds du trafic. Ce comportement n'est pas précisément prédit avec les méthodes de l'Eurocode 3, compte tenu de la complexité des effets locaux et de la connaissance insuffisante du rôle mécanique du revêtement (diffusion des charges et participation à la flexion locale). De plus l'augmentation du trafic des camions et éventuellement celle des charges admissibles par essieu en Europe tend à rendre ce problème bien plus critique. Le renforcement de ces tabliers est donc souhaitable de façon à prolonger la durée de vie des ponts existants, et aussi augmenter la durabilité des nouveaux ponts. Le béton fibré à ultra hautes performances (BFUP) a été envisagé comme nouvelle solution de revêtement, étant donné ses propriétés mécaniques, ses possibilités de mise en œuvre et sa durabilité. L'objectif de cette thèse, réalisée dans le cadre du projet ANR Orthoplus, est de quantifier expérimentalement l'apport des revêtements couramment utilisés dans les structures à dalle orthotrope et de valider la solution innovante en BFUP. Des essais statiques et dynamiques sur corps d'épreuve à grande échelle (2,40x4,00) m2 ont été réalisés sur la plate-forme d'essai des structures de l'IFSTTAR. Quatre corps d'épreuve ont été testés : tôle de platelage de 14 mm non revêtue et revêtue de 80 mm de béton bitumineux, tôle de 10 mm revêtue de 35 mm de BFUP et tôle de 12 mm revêtue de 35 mm de BFUP. L'influence des différents types de chargement positionnés au centre des corps d'épreuve a été analysée : plaques métalliques type Eurocode 1 et vraies roues de camion. L'étude a porté sur le détail de fatigue: liaison auget-tôle de platelage entre pièces de pont. La contrainte géométrique de fatigue (extrapolation au point chaud) a été évaluée expérimentalement en utilisant deux schémas d'extrapolation linéaire des déformations à proximité du cordon de soudure du détail étudié, le schéma du rapport CECA et celui proposé par l'Institut International de Soudure, à partir des mesures réalisées au-dessous de la tôle de platelage (σT) et sur l'âme de l'auget (σA).La cohérence entre estimation quasi-statique des déformations et comportement sous cycles de fatigue a été vérifiée, ainsi que la rigidification importante apportée par le BFUP, bien que ce dernier ne participe pas avec une connexion totale. Les résultats expérimentaux ont été confrontés à des modèles de différents niveaux de complexité qu'il reste nécessaire de calibrer empiriquement pour prévoir les contraintes géométriques. A partir des contraintes de fatigue obtenues expérimentalement, nous avons calculé la durée de vie des dalles orthotropes testés à l'aide de la règle du cumul linéaire de l'endommagement. Enfin nous avons mené une étude par analyse de cycle de vie d'un pont à dalle orthotrope pour vérifier la pertinence environnementale des différentes solutions de revêtement. Les nombreuses données expérimentales acquises dans ce travail sont de nature à permettre une amélioration significative du dimensionnement rationnel des tabliers à dalle orthotrope et de leur revêtement pour une meilleure prise en compte de leur gestion durable / Orthotropic steel bridge decks are sensitive to fatigue damage induced by live heavy traffic loads. This behaviour is not precisely predicted by Eurocode 3, because of the complexity of local effects. The pavement overlay is not taken into account for calculating the fatigue resistance because of the lack of knowledge concerning its mechanical behaviour (loads diffusion and participation in the local deflection) and the behaviour of the composite structure. Moreover, the increase in heavy traffic and potential regulations evolution in Europe – towards an increase of acceptable loads of truck axles - tend to render the orthotropic decks fatigue behaviour an even more critical issue. The reinforcement of these steel decks is therefore crucial to extend the service life of existing bridges, and also increase the durability of new bridges. Ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) has been chosen as a possible alternative topping layer considering its remarkable durability, flowability and mechanical properties. The purpose of this thesis, carried out within the framework of a joint R&D project called Orthoplus, is to quantify experimentally the mechanical contribution of topping layers currently used in orthotropic steel bridge decks and validate an alternative concept using UHPFRC coating. Static and dynamic tests of large scale panels (2,40x4,00) m2 were carried out at the IFSTTAR Structures Laboratory. Four prototypes have been tested: a 14 mm thick deck plate without surfacing, the same deck plate associated with 80 mm of bituminous concrete surfacing, a 10 mm thick deck plate topped with 35 mm of UHPFRC and a panel with the same UHPFRC topping layer and a 12 mm thick deck plate. The influence of different centered load types and configurations has been analyzed: rectangular steel plates according to Eurocode 1 and real truck wheels. The experimental programme has been focused on the rib-to-deck welded joints at mid-span between two transverse crossbeams. The fatigue geometrical stresses in the deck and the trough, respectively denoted as σD and σT, have been derived from two linear extrapolations of measured strains next to the toe of the welded joint: the extrapolation schemes from the ECSC report and from the IIW document. Consistency between quasi static strains and deflections estimate and behaviour under fatigue cycles has been verified, as well as the significant additional stiffness provided by the UHPFRC overlay, although its contribution does not correspond to a perfectly connected composite section. The experimental results have been compared to simple and more complex models which still need empirical calibration for predicting the geometrical stresses. Using the experimentally obtained fatigue geometrical stresses the service life of the tested prototypes were calculated using Miner's rule. Finally a life cycle assessment study of an orthotropic steel bridge deck was carried out to verify the environmental relevance of the alternative topping layer solutions. The numerous experimental data obtained from this work shall make it possible to significantly improve the rational design method of orthotropic slabs and their associated deck overlay, in view of a better accounting of their long term and sustainable structural management