The characterisation of the fatigue properties of asphalt is one of the key components in the design of asphalt pavements. An `interim' standard test method and test equipment have now become available in Australia, to characterise fatigue properties of typical Australian asphalt mixes by flexural bending of beam samples. The ARRB Transport Research (ARRB TR) work described in this paper is in support of the evaluation and validation of the interim fatigue test method and the Beam Fatigue Apparatus, developed by Industrial Process Controls Ltd. This paper presents the results of laboratory fatigue characterisation of five asphalt mixes placed during the recent Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) Loading Facility (ALF) permanent deformation trial, using the Australian equipment and test method. The mixes are ranked according to their laboratory fatigue performance. An evaluation of the strain and dissipated energy approaches, and their suitability for the characterisation and ranking of the fatigue properties of typical asphalt mixes are discussed. The current fatigue life prediction models published in the literature have been examined and the findings reported. (A)
Samenvatting