WHY DOES ASPHALT CRACK? "GLASS TRANSITION" MAY BE ONE REASON

Under high pressures (and the resulting increase in viscosity), asphalts undergo change at high ambient temperatures called glass transition temperatures. Repeated traffic loads coupled with temperature stresses can result in shattering the thin asphalt films which bind the pavement. Moisture soon enters causing additional deterioration. The failure mechanism stemming from the combined effects of heavy loads and low temperature is briefly outlined. Data are presented that indicate that fracturing of the asphalt films in a bituminous pavement can occur at ambient temperatures commonly considered cool but not cold. Asphalts from different sources and composition, have different sensitivities to the simultaneous action of low temperatures and high pressures.

• Corporate Authors:

  Dun Donnelley Publishing Corporation

  222 South Riverside Plaza
  Chicago, IL  United States  60606
• Authors:
  • Traxler, R N
  • Layman, A H
• Publication Date: 1975-9

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: p. 92-94
• Serial:
  • Roads and Streets
  • Volume: 118
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Donnelley (Reuben H) Corporation

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accelerated tests; Asphalt; Asphalt pavements; Cracking; Pavement cracking; Pressure; Repeated loads; Temperature; Traffic loads; Viscosity
• Old TRIS Terms: Glass transition
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00135037
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 11 1976 12:00AM