Asphalt Mixture Behavior In Repeated Flexure: Fid-Bau Portal

Asphalt Mixture Behavior In Repeated Flexure

C. L. Monismith / J. A. Epps / D. A. Kasianchuk / D. B. McLean

This report describes research completed during the period 1966- 1970 on the project concerned with (1) factors affecting the fatigue response of asphalt paving mixtures and (2) incorporation of the fatigue factor in the design of asphalt concrete pavements. During this period considerable information has been developed on the factors affecting the fatigue response of mixtures representative of the type used in California and an attempt has been made to summarize these results into a form usable for design purposes. Secondly the investigation has been concerned with the definition of a subsystem to consider the fatigue mode of distress in the structural design of new pavements and in the analysis of existing pavements. The authors consider this to be one of the significant results stemming from the study. General considerations for this subsystem have been summarized and the most recent developments required to use the subsystem have been included to make the process as realistic and reasonable for engineering use as practicable. Finally, in order that considerations of fatigue may eventually be incorporated in asphalt mixture design requirements, a brief discussion is included of alternative ways in which fatigue response might be controlled or defined through a direct tension test, a test which is much less time consuming and simpler to perform than conventional fatigue tests.