A review of mechanical and durability properties and microstructure of semi-flexible pavement

In the present time, there is a need for durable, fatigue-resistant, and comfort-inducing pavement. Neither the rigid nor the flexible pavements fulfill these criteria perfectly. Semi-flexible pavement is a type of road construction technology that falls between flexible and rigid pavement. It consists of a porous bituminous skeleton injected with grouting material and is designed to combine the benefits of both flexibility and rigidity, providing a durable and long-lasting road surface that is also able to flex slightly under heavy loads and temperature changes. The purpose of this review paper is to investigate the mechanical, durability and microstructural characteristics of semi-flexible pavement including their composition, design, and performance in order to provide an overview related to suitability as a pavement. The strength of each component of a Semi-Flexible pavement (SFP), coupled with its fatigue and crack resistance properties are presented in the first part whereas exploring additional critical aspects which play a pivotal role in the overall performance and durability of SFPs, including shrinkage, rutting, and moisture resistance, are covered in the second part. Finally, interlayer bonding, and material interactions within SFPs are reviewed based on microstructural examination such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM).