CRACKING OF ASPHALT CONCRETE AT LOW TEMPERATURES

Cracking of asphalt concrete at low temperatures is a major problem in the Upper Midwest. The cold temperatures in the winter months impart a brittle behavior to an otherwise ductile (viscous) material. The formation of cracks in the pavement provides a pathway for the migration of water, which may refreeze and cause more damage. The objectives of this research are to: characterize the fracture resistance of apshalt concrete at low temperatures; and develop a simple test method for laboratory testing. The conventional three-point-bend (3PB) load configuration is proposed for conducting fracture tests. The experimental apparatus and test procedure are described in detail, and the corresponding formulae are derived. Results indicate that less energy is needed to initiate a crack at -34 degrees centigrade than at -18 degrees centigrade. Furthermore, it appears that the toughness of the asphalt concrete is increased with an increase in compactive energy, which is indicated by a decrease in air voids content.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

  Center for Transportation Studies, 511 Washington Avenue, SE
  Minneapolis, MN  United States  55455-0375
• Authors:
  • Labuz, J
  • Dai, Shongtao
• Publication Date: 1994-10-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 50 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air voids; Asphalt concrete; Asphalt pavements; Bend tests; Compaction; Energy; Fracture mechanics; Fracture tests; Laboratory tests; Low temperature; Toughness
• Old TRIS Terms: Air voids content; Fractures; Resistance
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Materials; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00723568
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 1996 12:00AM