Long-Term Performance Assessment of Asphalt Concrete Pavements Using the Third Scale Model Mobile Loading Simulator and Fiber Reinforced Asphalt Concrete

Abstract

Long-term pavement performance such as fatigue and rutting is investigated using the third scale Model Mobile Loading Simulator (MMLS3). Prediction algorithms are proposed that can account for the loading rate of MMLS3 and temperature variation along the depth of pavement. In a separate study, influence of fibers on the fatigue cracking resistance is studied. In this research, laboratory asphalt pavement construction technique, sensor instrumentation, and test conditions are evaluated to establish effective test protocols for fatigue cracking and rutting evaluation using the MMLS3. The investigated results present that: (1) the MMLS3 with wheel wandering system can induce the realistic fatigue (alligator pattern) cracks; (2) using wavelet correlation method (WCM), fatigue damage growth and microdamage healing are observed; (3) the algorithm for the fatigue life prediction of laboratory pavement is established using the indirect tension testing program and linear cumulative damage theory; (4) the MMLS3 performs a rapid assessment of the rutting potential under controlled conditions; (5) the predictive algorithm predicts rutting performance of asphalt pavements loaded by the MMLS3 using the repetitive cyclic triaxial compression testing program. It was found that fiber inclusion can improve the mechanical properties of asphalt concrete. Single nylon fiber pullout test was used to investigate debonding and pulling behavior. As for indirect tension strength tests, asphalt concrete containing nylon fibers showed the potential of improving fatigue cracking resistance by an increase of the fracture energy.

Description

Keywords

Fatigue, Performance, MMLS3, Asphalt Concrete, Fiber Reinforced Asphalt Concrete, Nylon, Algorithm, Rutting

Citation

Degree

PhD

Discipline

Fiber and Polymer Science

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