Performance Evaluation of Semi-Flexible Concrete by Laboratory and In-Situ Testing

Open-graded asphalt concrete with a high air void content, filled by injecting special grouting materials, forms the basis of a new pavement technology known as Semi-Flexible Concrete (SFC) pavement. In pavement engineering, SFC has been applied in environments with high temperatures and heavy loads. This study conducted an experimental investigation to evaluate the performance of SFC both in the laboratory and in situ. The laboratory results indicated that the SFC met the specification requirements for high-traffic roadways, achieving an air void content of 25.7%, a flexural strength of 3.27 MPa, an Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) of 0.97 MPa, an Indirect Tensile Strength Ratio (ITSR) of 84.1%, and a flexural strain of 4.1×10⁻³ mm/mm. Field data confirmed that the pavement satisfied current specifications for high-traffic conditions, exhibiting excellent surface smoothness, an average surface texture depth of 0.85 mm, an average skid resistance value of 69, an average elastic modulus of 230.8 MPa, and an average ITS of 0.92 MPa. These results demonstrate that SFC pavement can be proposed as an alternative solution to overcome the limitations of conventional asphalt pavements under heavy loading and adverse climatic conditions.