Abstract:
Accurate multiaxial characterization of asphalt concrete requires a thorough understanding of its anisotropic behavior. For that purpose a study has been conducted to examine the anisotropic properties of asphalt concrete in the linear viscoelastic range, with growing damage, and during volumetric deformation. Tests were conducted on specimens cored in the vertical and horizontal directions from gyratory-compacted specimens. Anisotropy was found to have no effect on the linear viscoelastic properties of the material. This finding is supported by subsequent results from monotonic constant crosshead rate uniaxial tension and uniaxial compression tests. It was also found that anisotropy contributes greatly to the behavior of asphalt concrete in compression, but shows little, if any, effect on tensile properties. In addition, the strong dependence of anisotropy on temperature and strain rate is presented. Finally, promising results from a simplified method of extracting the anisotropic behavior of asphalt concrete with the use of the hydrostatic test are also introduced.
