Literature Review: Simple Test Method for Possible Use in Predicting the Fatigue of Asphaltic Concrete

About the report:

It has been recognized for many years that fatigue is one of many mechanisms by which asphaltic concrete pavements fail. Experience and empirical design procedures such as those developed by Marshall and Hveem have enabled engineers to design-mixtures against most common premature failure mechanisms such as rutting and bleeding, but due to the complex nature of fatigue failure it is difficult to analyze and to design pavements preventing fatigue failure. It is possible to define the fatigue behavior of an asphaltic concrete by running a series of fatigue tests; however, the required equipment is very expensive, and the testing time is usually in terms of weeks, which make routine fatigue testing and design impractical. If fatigue behavior could be defined by a relatively simple, fast, and inexpensive test, many premature fatigue failures could be prevented. The purpose of this literature review was to examine simple test methods that possibly could be used to delineate the fatigue properties of asphaltic concrete. The literature review is one part of a multiphase project whose ultimate goal is the development of a simple test to predict the fatigue behavior of asphaltic concrete. Four of the most promising simple tests for use in predicting the fatigue properties of asphaltic concrete will be analyzed in a laboratory investigation.

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