Fatigue Testing in Asphalt Mixes: Emerging Trends and Findings from an Integrated Literature Review
Source abstract
Abstract
This study compiled a dataset of published works relating to fatigue testing in asphalt mixes, covering 2020–2025. The dataset was subjected to bibliometric and textual analyses, including a systematic review, to explore emerging trends and patterns in experimental protocols. Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and IRaMuTeQ were employed to map the scientific landscape of 368 articles. Following PRISMA guidelines, the 100 most-cited articles were reviewed to identify prevailing test setups and parameters. The results showed a growing scientific production (9.1% per year), concentrated in a few high-impact journals and dominated by China, with emphasis on sustainability. A comparison between scientific output and a road quality index revealed a disconnect between academic research and field implementation. Five thematic clusters emerged: sustainable pavement management, mechanical characterization, binder modification, performance modeling, and evaluation of innovative materials. Indirect tensile and four-point bending tests were the most common loading modes. Considerable variability in protocols, frequent omissions of methodological details, and limited statistical treatment were also observed. The study highlighted the importance of standardized reporting and robust analysis, offering a reproducible framework to understand fatigue behavior and support future research.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Asphalt Pavement Performance Evaluation · Infrastructure Maintenance and Monitoring · Geotechnical Engineering and Underground Structures
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Department of Mobility Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Joinville 89219-600, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
Research Center for Territory, Transports and Environment (CITTA), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
Funding
Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education—CAPES · Research Center for Territory, Transports, and Environment—CITTA
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