Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering
8
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Mechanistic–Empirical Performance Evaluation of Cold Asphalt Mixtures Produced with Different RAP Contents Paulo Ricardo Lemos de Santana, Elane Donato Santos, Fernando Santos do Amor Divino, Luana Pereira de Jesus, Weiner Gustavo Silva Costa, et al. Infrastructures, 2026 The reuse of milled pavement material, known as RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement), represents one of the major current challenges in highway engineering worldwide. There is no doubt that the most valuable application of this residue is its use in the production of new hot asphalt mixtures, incorporating the highest possible RAP content, a process that requires adaptations in residue processing at asphalt plants. In Brazil, the RAP content added to these mixtures is limited to a maximum of 25%. Consequently, alternative applications have gained prominence in the country to increase RAP utilization in pavement engineering, such as its use in cold premixed asphalt mixtures. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of cold asphalt mixtures containing different RAP contents through mechanistic-empirical analyses of a reference pavement structure, using the modelling framework adopted in the Brazilian Asphalt Pavement Design Method (MeDiNa). After Marshall mix design and volumetric and mechanical characterization of mixtures containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% RAP, stiffness and fatigue parameters were used to estimate the evolution of cracked area in the reference pavement, with each mixture applied as the surface layer under different traffic levels. The results demonstrated that pavement performance improved for all RAP contents evaluated compared to the mixture without RAP, with the mixture containing 30% RAP showing the best overall performance.
Methodology for Calibrating the Brazilian Mechanistic-Empirical Asphalt Pavement Design Method Mario Sergio de Souza Almeida, Antônio Carlos Cruz de Oliveira, Nelson Wargha Filho, Jamille Almeida Brito, Ítalo Miller Machado Pereira, et al. International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 2026 The adoption of mechanistic-empirical methods for asphalt pavement design has been taking place in various countries since the early 2000s. What these methods have in common is the use of robust databases capable of generating accurate transfer functions based on their calibration processes. This study evaluates the accuracy of the Brazilian mechanistic-empirical method (MeDiNa) for estimating cracked area evolution when applied to four different experimental segments of the Brazilian federal highway network, in the state of Bahia. Based on these analyses, the study proposes a methodology for obtaining a new transfer function, divided into three stages: (i) preliminary calibration, using pavement performance data from the federal highway pavement management system database; (ii) calibration check, using experimental sections from pavements that have been in service for less than 10 years and exhibit low cracking; and (iii) calibration consolidation, involving experimental segments built specifically for this purpose. The results of the initial simulations show that, while MeDiNa indicates accelerated cracking growth for the four sections evaluated, the field data revealed low levels of cracking over the same period. In particular, while the model predicted failure within 2 to 5 years, field data showed minimal cracking even after extended service. These findings demonstrate the necessity of refining the current crack transfer function to enhance predictive reliability, which can be effectively accomplished using the proposed calibration framework.
A New Ultrasonic Reactor for CaCO3 Antiscaling in Pipelines and Equipment C. E. T. da Silva, L. L. de O. Soares, L. G. Pereira, A. A. Cavalcante, A. R. A. Achy, et al. SPE Journal, 2023 Summary Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scaling is one of the main drawbacks in oil and gas production pipelines and equipment, contributing to the reduction or shutdown of production in petroleum extraction industries. This work shows a new device for the prevention of calcium carbonate scale in oil and gas production units. Three cells containing five ultrasonic transducers each (60 W×40 kHz) were used to reduce carbonate scaling in pipelines. Long-term tests were carried out in a semi-industrial hydraulic system that was properly instrumented to allow us to simulate CaCO3 production by injection of CaCl2·2H2O and NaHCO3. A proof valve was positioned downstream of the equipment. Pressure drop in the valve, scale mass on the pipe samples, and morphology of crystals were evaluated after 2 hours of testing. Well-marked reductions in pressure drop (up to 96%) on the proof-valve and scale thickness (up to 95%) in pipe samples were verified when compared with the system without any scale prevention device. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed alteration of the geometry and reduction of the particle size as the main reason for the reduction of scaling.
Offshore field experience with non chemical oilfield scaleprevention/remediation strategies in Brazil Proceedings of the Annual Offshore Technology Conference, 2020
Multpoint temperature sensor for determining the beginning of paraffin deposition in oil pipeline Rio Pipeline Conference and Exposition Technical Papers, 2017
