Viscoelastic characterization of asphalt concrete in indirect tensile (IDT) testing and development of a simple performance test for fatigue cracking are described. A 50-mm gauge length was adopted to measure the horizontal and vertical deformations with surface-mounted linear variable differential transducers on an IDT specimen with a 100- or 150-mm diameter and 38-mm thickness. The effect of a concentrated load under loading strips on vertical displacement within the 50-mm gauge length was evaluated by the digital image correlation method, a noncontact, full-field displacement and strain measurement technique. The theory of viscoelasticity was used to develop analytical solutions for creep compliance and center strain from displacements measured on the specimen surface. These solutions were verified by three-dimensional finite element viscoelastic analysis. IDT creep and strength tests were performed on fine and coarse mixtures from WesTrack with various asphalt contents and air void contents, and various parameters determined from the analysis of these data were compared with the known fatigue performance of these mixtures from the WesTrack testing facility. The fracture energy obtained from viscoelastic analysis of the IDT strength test at 20 deg C correlated highly with the field performance of these mixtures at WesTrack.
Abstract