Effect of temperature on fatigue performance of hot mix asphalt tested under model mobile load simulator

Abstract

In this study, the effect of temperature on the fatigue performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) has been investigated with the use of the scaled accelerated loading equipment Model Mobile Load Simulator. Several HMA test slabs instrumented with strain gauges and thermocouples were subjected to running wheel load under controlled environmental condition. Transverse and longitudinal strain and temperature data were acquired with the data acquisition system. The analysis of strain data indicated that the longitudinal strain was dependent on the temperature and the rate of change of temperature with time. A model has been developed to predict the resilient strain under moving load at different temperatures. Models relating fatigue life of HMA with temperature have been presented. It has been concluded that the accurate prediction of fatigue performance of HMA under wheel load should include the effect of temperature and loading. Testing pavement slabs compacted with roller compactor provides results which can identify the effects of different factors encountered in the actual field conditions.