This paper reports a comparative study of microcapsules with enhanced thermal stability and electrical conductivity inspired by the bionic thermal insulation of birds’ feathers for self-healing aged asphalt. The work is based on an in situ polymerization with composite shell components of graphene and hexamethoxymethylmelamine resin. By using graphene, microcapsules with rough surfaces are achieved, improving the interface between microcapsules and asphalt. In addition, the microcapsules’ initial thermal decomposition temperature is appropriately high, so that the stability of the microcapsule in the asphalt highway system is protected. The proportion of graphene in the microcapsule shell can regulate the microcapsule’s heat resistance because graphene modifies the shell’s structural makeup. Additionally, the microcapsules’ electrical conductivity is relatively high. The self-healing capability of bitumen sharply increases, providing benefit to the effect of microcapsules on the properties of aged asphalt.

The primary aim of this study is to correlate the impact of aggregates, if any, on the viscoelastic behavior of rejuvenated asphalt mixtures containing very high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) (> 50%). First, gradation of 100% RAP was rectified, using a modified Bailey method by adding virgin aggregates to achieve two coarse dense-graded and one fine dense-graded blends. Complex modulus test was then performed from −35 to +35 °C and 0.01–10 Hz. In addition to performance grade (PG) testing, extracted and recovered binders from different asphalt mixtures underwent shear complex modulus test within −8 °C to high temperature PG and frequencies from 0.001 to 30 Hz. Cole−Cole, Black space, complex modulus and phase angle master curves were constructed and Shift-Homothety-Shift in time-Shift (SHStS) transformation was used to compare the linear viscoelastic behavior of asphalt binders and mixtures. The influence of aggregates on the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mixtures depends on temperature and/or frequency. The role of asphalt binders in the behavior of asphalt mixtures is more pronounced at high temperatures and the effect of the aggregate structure increases as the temperature falls. The maximum difference (60% to 70%) in the viscoelastic behavior of the binder and mixture based on SHStS transformed Cole−Cole curves is within the phase angle of 15°–20°.

The grade crossings and adjacent pavements of urban trams are generally subjected to complex load conditions and are susceptible to damage. Therefore, in this study, a novel pavement structure between tram tracks and roads constructed using polyurethane (PU) elastic concrete and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), referred to as a track-road transitional pavement (TRTP), is proposed. Subsequently, its performance and feasibility are evaluated using experimental and numerical methods. First, the mechanical properties of the PU elastic concrete are evaluated. The performance of the proposed structure is investigated using a three-dimensional finite element model, where vehicle-induced dynamic and static loads are considered. The results show that PU elastic concrete and the proposed combined TRTP are applicable and functioned as intended. Additionally, the PU elastic concrete achieved sufficient performance. The recommended width of the TRTP is approximately 50 mm. Meanwhile, the application of UHPC under a PU elastic concrete layer significantly reduces vertical deformation. Results of numerical calculations confirmed the high structural performance and feasibility of the proposed TRTP. Finally, material performance standards are recommended to provide guidance for pavement design and the construction of tram-grade crossings in the future.