Asphalt Fatigue Modelling Using Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Theory

ABSTRACT Three conventional asphalt concrete mixtures containing binders of different penetration, obtained from one and the same source, are characterised with regard to fatigue behaviour at three different temperatures using uniaxial testing. The results are analysed using a viscoelastic continuum damage model. The model eliminates strain and stress level dependency as well as mode of loading dependency. Fatigue paths at different temperatures can be predicted using the time-temperature superposition principle, if the material is not too soft. Difficulties in predicting the fatigue damage evolution at soft conditions might be explained by the occurrence of additional softening mechanisms such as hysteretic heating during testing. KEYWORDS: Asphalt ConcreteContinuum Damage MechanicsViscoelasticityFatigueUniaxial Testing