Yu Cai

Dr. Yu Cai


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 February 2026 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
HSHong Sun
Hong Sun
YCYu Cai
Yu Cai
ZTZhipeng Tao
Zhipeng Tao
KFKaimin Fu
Kaimin Fu
HYHuajie Yin
Huajie Yin
Jiaolong RenJiaolong Ren
Jiaolong Ren
Flocculent basalt fiber (FBF), a natural fiber characterized by high strength, excellent toughness, and environmental friendliness, is an ideal additive for enhancing the road performance of recycled asphalt mixtures. However, existing research on FBF-reinforced recycled asphalt mixtures has largely been limited to single-factor analyses of FBF content, neglecting the synergistic effects of FBF size characteristics (diameter and length) and content. This critical gap restricts the accurate optimization of FBF parameters and the reliable application of FBF in recycled asphalt mixtures. Hence, this study investigates the combined effects of FBF diameter, length, and content on the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio, mechanical properties, high-temperature rutting resistance, low-temperature cracking resistance, and water stability of SMA-13 recycled asphalt mixtures. A random forest approach is adopted to quantify the relative importance of FBF diameter, length, and content on the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio and various road performance indexes. The results show that the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio and road performance indexes increase significantly with increasing FBF content and length but decrease with increasing FBF diameter, with minimal variation in replicate tests. However, when the fiber content surpasses 0.4%, a deterioration in performance occurs. Fiber content has the most significant impact on the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio and overall road performance, followed by diameter and then length. The optimal fiber content is identified as 0.4% for fibers with a diameter of 6 µm (regardless of fiber length in this study) and 0.3% for fibers with a diameter of 3 µm and a length of 4 mm. These findings provide precise parameter guidance for engineering applications of FBF in SMA-13 recycled asphalt mixtures, thereby promoting the sustainable utilization of recycled materials.