In the laboratory, there are significant differences in mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures with the same size gradation and asphalt binder, which is not conducive to evaluating and designing the pavement structure accurately. Meanwhile, the influence of aggregate segregation in height on the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures is unclear. This study developed a new method to generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of the real composition and aggregate shape to characterize the aggregate segregation during Superpave gyratory compaction (SGC). The graphic segregation index (GPSI) is employed to assess the mixing degree of coarse aggregate and asphalt mortar within spatially variable specimens [i.e., Superpave-13, stone mastic asphalt (SMA-13), and open-graded asphalt friction course (OGFC-13) mixtures]. The results reveal that asphalt mixtures with different aggregate gradations have different compaction characteristics. For example, the increase of fine aggregates may reduce the strain energy and the average contact force during compaction. The compaction curves of the three gradation types were very different, which is attributed to different packing states and gyratory numbers. Aggregate segregation has a significant effect on micromechanical behavior. Specifically, the contact number and the proportion of strong contact force change considerably with height. In terms of segregation degree, the GPSI of OGFC-13 specimens was the highest, and the volume change of its fine particles created a leakage zone after the compaction. Additionally, this segregation had an increasing tendency with gyration numbers, and it was influenced by gradation types. Furthermore, the uniaxial compressive strength and cohesion of the Superpave-13 specimen decreased, whereas the friction angle increased with the increase of GPSI.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) plays an increasingly important role in environmental management, particularly in promoting energy and carbon-conscious practices across various disciplines. This review provides an overview of the latest innovations and potential benefits of integrating LCA into ecological slope treatment strategies. This study explores new developments in LCA methodology and its application to slope treatment, aiming to improve the integration of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. Through an extensive review of over 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and a critical analysis of the intersection of LCA with slope treatment, this paper identifies innovative techniques that have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of slope management. The review emphasizes advanced LCA practices that quantify and mitigate carbon emissions throughout the life cycle stages of slope treatments. Key findings demonstrate that LCA enhances the methodological rigor in assessing ecosystem services and impacts, and reveals new strategies that emphasize the importance of ecological considerations in infrastructure projects. Future research directions focus on refining LCA data acquisition and promoting a standardized knowledge base to support precision in ecological impact assessments. In conclusion, the adoption of LCA in slope treatment is imperative for aligning industry practices with global sustainability targets, emphasizing the importance of integrating uncertainty analysis and long-term impact assessments to bolster the credibility of LCA outcomes.