ABSTRACT Recycled steel slag has the potential to serve as an alternative aggregate in asphalt pavements, but its application in high-performance epoxy asphalt structures requires characterization of both structural response and interfacial damage behavior. In this study, finite element analysis combined with orthogonal design identifies base layer modulus and thickness as dominant factors controlling tensile strain at the asphalt layer bottom. An interpretable classification model confirms that structural mechanical indicators govern fatigue life, with tensile strain being the key controlling parameter. Fatigue tests indicate that the mixture with 50% steel slag achieves an optimal balance between stiffness and fatigue resistance. Microstructural observations and cohesive zone modelling reveal that the porous steel slag surface promotes diffuse interfacial damage and enhances energy dissipation, improving fatigue tolerance. Results demonstrate that fatigue performance is governed by the coupled effects of structural response and interfacial damage. This study provides engineering support for the effective application of recycled steel slag in durable asphalt pavement structures.
Du et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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