Application of resonant acoustic spectroscopy to beam shaped asphalt concrete samples.

Abstract

The dynamic modulus of asphalt concrete is a key parameter needed in modern pavement design and management. Traditional laboratory tests based on cyclic loading (0.1–25 Hz) at different testing temperatures are time consuming and require expensive equipment. There is therefore a need for more efficient non‐destructive methods to determine the dynamic modulus of asphalt concrete. This study applies resonant acoustic spectroscopy (RAS) to beam shaped asphalt concrete samples. Multiple modes of vibration are measured at each testing temperature using a miniature accelerometer and a small steel sphere as impact source. The complex modulus from each resonant frequency is calculated using the Rayleigh–Ritz method. The heterogeneous and viscoelastic nature of asphalt concrete presents challenges to the application of conventional RAS. The number of measurable modes decreases with increasing test temperature. In an attempt to extend the usable frequency and temperature range measured, transfer functions are inverted using the finite element method along with a frequency dependent complex modulus. Initial results indicate that RAS can be an efficient method for the prediction of the high‐frequency part of the asphalt concrete dynamic modulus mastercurve.