Abstract
An improved fatigue cracking criterion for flexible pavements is developed. It relates the allowable number of load repetitions with the maximum tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer that causes cracking there. The criterion is established by combining an empirical relationship providing the number of load repetitions as a function of the layer thicknesses and the axle loading as obtained by the AASHO Road Test with that maximum tensile strain developed at the bottom of the asphaltic layer. Because this maximum tensile strain is computed by a FEM that analyses pavements under moving vehicles and assumes the asphaltic layer to behave as a linear viscoelastic material, the resulting failure criterion takes into account speed and viscoelastic material behavior. Thus, this criterion is an improved version of the existing ones based on static or dynamic loading and linear elastic material behavior.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
