Assessment of the Ideal Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) for Australian asphalt mix design and performance

Asphalt cracking is a problem as it can lead to structural damage of the pavement and premature failure. It is one of the two most frequent distress mechanisms of asphalt pavements. In Australia, the Austroads AGPT/T274 four-point bending test method is used to measure long term asphalt fatigue resistance and is well-understood. Other forms of cracking such as fracture, reflective, top down and low temperature cracking are not as well understood as they are not frequently tested for in Australia. Fracture cracking tests such as the Texas Overlay Test, Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT) and the Ideal Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) have been devised but have not been widely implemented as standardised tests. This paper reviews the IDEAL-CT and examines its suitability for Australian asphalt mix designs. A variety of asphalt mix designs were tested to determine a Cracking Tolerance Index (CTIndex). This is an indicator of an asphalt mix’s cracking resistance, with a higher value indicating greater cracking resistance. Test results show that the IDEAL-CT provides insight into the fracture performance of typical Australian mix and binder types. Further evaluation is required before it can be used as a standard test in Australian asphalt mix design.

• Record URL:
  • http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • Dang, A
• Conference:
  • AfPA International Flexible Pavements Conference, 19th, 2023, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2023-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: Safely paving the way to carbon zero: 19th AfPA International Flexible Pavements Conference, 30th October-1 November 2023, Brisbane, Qld

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Binders; Bitumen; Bituminous pavements; Cracking; Mix design; Pavements; Performance; Test procedures
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ATRI Terms: Asphalt; Bituminous pavement; Cracking; Mix design; Performance; Test method
• Subject Areas: Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01929925
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB Group Limited
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 10 2024 2:19PM