New laboratory testing technique for asphalt concrete.

The Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council of Canada, recently developed new laboratory equipment for testing mechanical properties of asphalt concrete. Tensile and shear (static or dynamic) loading can be applied to slab samples of asphalt pavement. The concept and the first prototype of this testing equipment are described, along with results of an experimental evaluation and testing program. The laboratory testing was carried on slab specimens extracted from the pavement of a field trial section partly reinforced by a geogrid. (Author/publisher)