Porous tubular structures are of significant interest in engineering due to their exceptional potential for lightweight design, energy absorption, and multifunctional integration. Inspired by the unique net architecture of natural luffa sponges, this study introduces a novel design approach for such structure, namely bio-inspired Voronoi Tube (BVT). This design employs Voronoi tessellation patterns, parametrically controlled through the spatial distribution of seed points and integrates iterative optimization algorithms, to achieve precise coordinated regulation over the randomness and continuity of the resulting spatial network, closely mimicking the biological paradigm. Then, specimens are fabricated via additive manufacturing and then quasi-statically compressed axially, followed by systematic mechanical testing of the base material. The experimental results are analyzed to reveal the BVT structure’s mechanical responses and simultaneously validate finite-element simulation model. Subsequently, a systematic numerical analysis is performed to further understand the deformation mechanisms of the BVT structure and the influence of key geometric parameters. The results indicate that the iteratively optimized BVT structure successfully replicates the characteristic energy absorption behavior of the natural luffa sponge, confirming the effectiveness of the bio-inspired design. A rise in diameter from 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm results in a 78.32% increase in the specific energy absorption (SEA). Under identical mass conditions, tailored adjustments to the geometry can enhance the SEA by up to 34.57%.

Cable-suspended structures are important auxiliary structures for the construction of long-span arch bridges. Due to topographic constraints, the cable-suspended structure of Liuchehe Bridge adopts an asymmetric structure form with a main span of 736 m. Nevertheless, research focusing on the mechanical behavior of large-span asymmetric cable hoisting structures remains limited at present. Under unfavorable loads, including temperature and cable saddle friction, tower buckling failure may occur in cable hoisting structures as a result of overstress. In addition, inappropriate changes in physical parameters and temperature of the main cable will alter its sag and consequently compromise construction precision. For the sake of the safety of the cable hoisting structure, a temperature gradient experiment was conducted on the steel pipes of the prefabricated tower by virtue of a practical engineering project. The change rule of the measured point temperature was analyzed, a temperature gradient pattern for tower steel pipes was proposed, and the deficiencies of the specifications were compensated for. On this basis, the effects of variations in temperature, main cable weight, main cable elastic modulus, guy cable tension, and saddle friction resistance on the mechanical behavior of the cable-suspended structure were analyzed. According to the temperature tests on the tower steel pipes, the maximum radial temperature gradient of the steel pipe section reaches 15 °C, which is higher than the thermal gradient value stipulated in the codes. Moreover, the steel pipe stress under the thermal gradient model proposed in the current research is greater than that under the thermal gradient model in the codes. The steel tube stress under the temperature gradient model adopted in this study is 7.6 times that specified in the design code. Temperature and the elastic modulus of the main cable have a significant influence on the mid-span deformation of the main cable. For every 1 °C temperature variation, the vertical displacement at the main cable mid-span changes by 25 mm. During the construction of the main cable, the sag of the main cable should be adjusted according to the rule governing temperature’s influence on the mid-span of the main cable to avoid elevation deviations of the main cable arising from temperature. Saddle frictional resistance exerts a notable effect on tower deformation, guy cable tension, and tower stress. At a friction coefficient of 0.3, the stress caused by friction in the steel tube at the tower bottom constitutes 35.1% of the total stress under the maximum design hoisting load. During construction, the free rotation of rollers at the saddle should be ensured to reduce the mechanical response of the structure. The findings of this study can provide a basis for the design and construction of long-span asymmetric cable-suspended structures.

Polyester (PET) fibers are widely used to reinforce asphalt materials; however, their smooth and hydrophobic surfaces limit interfacial bonding and restrict their reinforcing efficiency. This study develops an eco-friendly surface modification method based on the chemical modification of gallic acid (GA) and aminosilane (KH792) to enhance the compatibility between PET fibers and asphalt. Modified fibers with various molar ratios of GA/KH792 were prepared and incorporated into asphalt mastic. Their performance was evaluated using softening point, cone penetration, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests, combined with interfacial interaction analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that surface modification significantly improves the reinforcing effect of PET fibers. In particular, the co-modified fiber with a GA/KH792 ratio of 1:1 exhibits the best performance, with increases of 27% in softening point and 105% in shear strength, as well as notable improvements in rutting resistance, fatigue performance, and temperature stability. Interfacial indices and SEM observations confirm enhanced adhesion, dispersion, and load transfer capacity. However, the improvement in low-temperature performance is limited. Overall, GA/KH792 chemical modification effectively enhances fiber asphalt interfacial interaction and provides a simple and sustainable approach for developing high-performance asphalt materials.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are increasingly used for the remediation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, as they rapidly mineralize recalcitrant fractions to CO₂ and H₂O. However, the effects of AOPs on the geotechnical properties of such soils remain not well understood. In this study, the influences of a combined oxidation system of sodium percarbonate (SPC), nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), and sodium persulfate (PS) on the geotechnical behavior of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil were investigated. A series of tests, including basic geotechnical index, pH, Atterberg limits, particle size distribution, and consolidated undrained triaxial compression test, were conducted to explore the geotechnical responses and underlying mechanisms associated with the dual AOPs treatment. The results indicate that the diesel-contaminated soil exhibited slightly higher LL and PI compared with the natural soil. For the treated soils, LL and PI remained essentially unchanged with increasing SPC dosage. The particle-size distribution first migrated to finer fractions and then reverted to a coarser mode. The strongest fining was observed at 2% SPC, whereas higher SPC dosages induced aggregation and the formation of larger agglomerates. Consolidated undrained triaxial tests indicate that diesel contamination reduced undrained stiffness and strength. The nZVI–PS treatment without SPC produced a partial recovery in stiffness and a slight increase in the friction angle. With increasing SPC dosage, the soils exhibited a nonmonotonic response in stiffness and shear strength, where low SPC enhanced apparent cohesion and higher SPC weakened bonds while partially restoring frictional resistance. These findings suggest that advanced oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated soils requires a trade-off. This trade-off is between contaminant degradation efficiency and the preservation of geotechnical performance to ensure the reuse of the remediated soil.

To improve the rutting resistance and low-temperature cracking performance of polymer-modified asphalt under extreme conditions, hierarchically structured ZnO-loaded porous activated carbon (ZnO/PAC) nanosheets were introduced as a synergistic reinforcing agent for SBS-modified asphalt. The ZnO/PAC hybrids were synthesized via template-assisted carbonization followed by hydrothermal growth, and their effects were evaluated by microscopic characterization and rheological tests, including temperature sweeps, multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) analyses. ZnO was successfully anchored onto the PAC, forming a three-dimensional flower-like nanostructure. Among the investigated samples, ZPS3 with 3 wt.% ZnO/PAC showed the best overall performance. At 64 °C, the rutting factor increased from 4.2 kPa for the SBS-modified asphalt to 6.8 kPa for ZPS3, representing a ~62% enhancement and indicating markedly improved high-temperature deformation resistance. MSCR results further confirmed the superior rutting resistance of ZPS3, which exhibited the highest recovery and the lowest non-recoverable creep compliance. In addition, BBR results showed that the low-temperature performance grade improved from −12 °C for conventional the SBS-modified asphalt to −18 °C for the ZnO/PAC-modified system. These results demonstrate that ZnO/PAC nanosheets can effectively enhance both the high-temperature rutting resistance and low-temperature cracking resistance of SBS-modified asphalt.

Aiming at the problems of main cable geometry calculation and control accuracy in construction for long-span asymmetric suspension bridges, this paper proposes a practical method for main cable geometry calculation of asymmetric suspension bridges based on the Rushankou Bridge. Firstly, a hanger–pylon–girder model was established to obtain the constraint force at the hanger top. Then, with the mid-span sag of the main cable set as the control target, the coordinates and unstressed length of the main cable in the completed bridge state were obtained based on the pylon–cable model. Finally, the final main cable geometry and unstressed length were obtained based on the main cable–hanger–pylon–girder model. The reliability of the method in this paper was validated by engineering monitoring data. Using the simulation model, the influence laws and degrees of parameters including temperature, main cable elastic modulus, main cable weight, hanger force and main girder weight on the main cable geometry were investigated. It is indicated that the method in this paper is capable of accurately calculating the main cable shape of asymmetric suspension bridges. After the installation of cable clamps and hangers, the theoretical and measured deformations of the main cable are in good agreement. The theoretical and measured values at the mid-span L/2 of the main span are −233.9 cm and −234.7 cm, respectively, with a deviation of 8 mm. The largest discrepancy between the calculated and actual deformations of the main cable is located at 7L/8 of the main span, which is merely 2.2 cm. The deformation of the main cable is greatly affected by temperature changes; each 1 °C temperature variation leads to a mid-span deformation of about 2.4 cm in the main cable. If the influence of temperature variation on main cable geometry is ignored during construction, it will cause errors in the main cable elevation after installation. The effect of the main cable elastic modulus on its deformation cannot be neglected, and a 10% variation in the main cable elastic modulus leads to a 58 cm change in the main cable geometry.