Asphalt mortar is a typical temperature-sensitive material that plays a crucial role in the performance of asphalt mixture. This study evaluates the high- and low-temperature performance of asphalt mortar based on the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) method. Temperature-sweep tests of asphalt mortars were conducted using the DMA method under fixed strain level, frequency, and heating rate conditions. The dynamic mechanical response curves, characteristic temperature, and other indices were obtained and used to investigate the high- and low-temperature performance of asphalt mortar. The results showed that the phase transition temperatures T₁, T₀, and T_g can be used to evaluate the low-temperature performance of asphalt mortar. Additionally, they had a good linear relationship, and the evaluation results were consistent. Meanwhile, T₂, E₆₀, and tan(δ)_max indicators can effectively evaluate the high-temperature performance of asphalt mortar. Asphalt plays a key role in the performance of asphalt mortar. Mortars with neat asphalt A70 and modified asphalt AR had the worst and best high- and low-temperature performances, respectively. Furthermore, the finer gradation improved the low-temperature performance of asphalt mortar, while the coarser gradation improved the high-temperature properties of modified asphalt mortars but had the opposite effect on neat asphalt A70.

In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of an existing rutting performance prediction model, based on the long-term observation data of the RIOHTrack’s full-scale pavement structure, the rutting performance prediction model in China’s Specifications for Design of Highway Asphalt Pavement was evaluated, and the model correction method was proposed, which improves the model’s reliability and makes it more suitable for rutting estimation in the region. The research found that the rutting model in China’s Specifications for Design of Highway Asphalt Pavement has significant structural dependence. The model with the highest prediction accuracy and the smallest error is the semi-rigid base asphalt pavement structure with an asphalt concrete layer thickness of 12 cm; the prediction accuracy of other structures is not high. In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of the rutting prediction model, a new model is established by introducing local correction coefficients into the existing model. After local correction, the accuracy of the rutting prediction models for all structures has been greatly improved, and the determination coefficient R² is greater than 0.87. Since the basic data has already reflected the characteristics of different pavement structures and materials, as well as the impact of local climate environment and traffic load conditions, the new model is more suitable for rutting prediction of various pavement structures in the region where the RIOHTrack is located.

Landslide damage to soil graben slopes in seasonal freezing zones is a crucial concern for highway slope safety, particularly in the northeast region of China where permafrost thawing is significant during the spring. The region has abundant seasonal permafrost and mostly comprises powdery clay soil that is susceptible to landslides due to persistent frost and thaw cycles. The collapse of a slope due to thawing and sliding not only disrupts highway operations but also generates lasting implications for environmental stability, economic resilience, and social well-being. By understanding and addressing the underlying mechanisms causing such events, we can directly contribute to the sustainable development of the region. Based on the Suihua–Beian highway graben slope landslide-management project, this paper establishes a three-dimensional finite element model of a seasonal permafrost slope using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 finite element numerical analysis software. Additionally, the PDE mathematical module of the software is redeveloped to perform hydrothermal-coupling calculations of seasonal permafrost slopes. The simulation results yielded the dynamic distribution characteristics of the temperature and seepage field on the slope during the F–T process. The mechanism behind the slope thawing and sliding was also unveiled. The findings provide crucial technical support for the rational analysis of slope stability, prevention of sliding, and effective control measures, establishing a direct linkage to the promotion of sustainable infrastructure development in the context of transportation and roadway engineering.

Asphalt mixture is a typical viscoelastic material, and its road performance will change with the action of environment and load during actual service. This study conducted experimental research on the surface course asphalt mixture of three categories and six typical structures of RIOHTrack based on the Dynamic Mechanical Analysis method. Moreover, this study explored the performance evolution law of asphalt mixture under the coupling action of load and environment in the process of loading from 0 million to 54 million standard axle times. Results demonstrated that the phase transition characteristic temperature of the surface course materials of the three types of typical structures showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the accumulation of load and environmental effects, indicating the presence of two stages of the dual coupling effect of environmental aging and load rolling on the asphalt mixture during service. In addition, the results suggested that the phase transition characteristic temperature, modulus, and phase angle of the surface layer materials have obvious material differences and structure dependencies.