Evaluating the fracture behaviour of modified asphalt concrete composites (ACC) at low and intermediate temperatures using edge notched disc bend (ENDB) specimen

Abstract

In this study, fracture energy and fracture toughness are used to investigate the fracture behaviour of Asphalt Concrete Composites (ACC) in pure mode I and III using Edge Notch Disc Bend (ENDB) geometry at temperatures of −18°C and +25°C. Also, polyester fibre (PE) and calcium lignosulfonate (CL) additives were used separately and simultaneously to improve the performance of ACC's fracture. In order to evaluate the brittleness of the ACC, Flexibility Index (FI), Toughness Index (TI), and Cracking Resistance Index (CRI) were evaluated. The results showed that the top-down cracking potential due to the pure mode III loading condition for the base sample was higher than the opening cracking at −18°C due to lower fracture toughness and fracture energy of pure mode III than pure mode I. At +25°C, the ACC cracking potential was based on the results of fracture toughness and fracture energy for top-down cracking and opening cracking, respectively.