Computation of pseudo strain energy and Paris law fracture coefficients from surface energy and uniaxial strain-controlled tension test data

Abstract

Dissipated pseudo strain energy (DPSE) and Paris' law fracture coefficients constitute input parameters for fracture characterization of hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) mixtures in continuum fracture-damage mechanics and energy based fatigue analysis approaches. In this paper, numerical analysis models for computing DPSE and Paris' law fracture coefficients from surface energy (SE) and uniaxial strain-controlled tension test data are presented. The applicability of the DPSE, Paris' law fracture coefficients, and the associated laboratory tests for comparatively quantifying HMAC mixture fracture properties including investigating the effects of aging is also presented. Analysis of the results indicated that the models utilized together with the computed parameters and the related laboratory tests provide a fundamental methodology of comparatively characterizing the fracture properties of HMAC mixtures. The numerical values obtained were within theoretical expectations. The results further showed that aging has a detrimental effect on the HMAC mixture fracture properties. However, more HMAC mixture characterization is recommended to further validate the general applicability of the models and the associated laboratory tests.