01592782

Component

This paper employs an integrated numerical-experimental approach to evaluate the temperature- and rate-dependent fracture characteristics of a fine aggregate asphalt matrix (FAM). Two bending tests (semi-circular bending, SCB, and single-edge notched beam, SE(B)) and one tension test (disk-shaped compact tension, DC(T)) are performed in the laboratory at three temperatures (-10°C, 10°C, and 25°C) and three loading rates (0.5 mm/min., 1.0 mm/min., and 2.0 mm/min.). The fracture tests are further simulated using a computational model based on the finite element method that is incorporated with material viscoelasticity and cohesive zone fracture. Two cohesive zone fracture parameters, i.e., cohesive strength and fracture energy, are determined via a calibration process until a good match between experimental and numerical results are observed. To illustrate the efficiency of the integrated numerical-experimental approach, fracture properties are also determined by a traditional methodology that uses globally averaged material displacements far from the actual fracture process zone. The results obtained indicate that temperature- and rate-dependent fracture properties of asphalt mixtures can potentially be evaluated based on simulations of different testing configurations and sample geometric characteristics. The accurate determination of such properties is a key step towards the implementation of successful computational microstructure predictive models, which can provide meaningful insights into the effects of constituents on the overall mixture performance, with significant savings in experimental costs and time.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFK50 Standing Committee on Characteristics of Asphalt Paving Mixtures to Meet Structural Requirements. Alternate title: Evaluation of Temperature- and Rate-Dependent Fracture Characteristics of Asphalt Mixtures with Three Geometries: SCB, DC(T), and SE(B).

01584066

16-4333

English

15p

2016

Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Photos; References

Asphalt mixtures; Cohesive strength; Finite element method; Fracture properties; Mathematical models; Temperature; Tension tests

Bending tests; Fracture energy; Loading rate; Specimen geometry

Highways; Materials; Pavements

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2016 Paper #16-4333

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 12 2016 5:55PM