Investigation of Asphalt Track Behavior Under Cyclic Loading: Full-Scale Testing and Numerical Simulation

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the full-scale testing of asphalt track and numerical simulation using the viscoelastic material property of asphalt mixtures under cyclic loading was investigated. Dynamic modulus tests were conducted to characterize the linear viscoelastic property of asphalt mixtures. The full-scale test was performed to simulate train movement on the rail track with cyclic loading using the rail load simulator. The full-scale test and numerical simulations were implemented on three different layers of the asphalt with different thicknesses. The results were then subsequently compared to prove the reliability of the methods. The laboratory testing results indicate that the asphalt mixture for the surface layer, a polymer-modified asphalt, provides a high elastic modulus and behaves more elastically at low-frequency loading compared to the conventional mixtures for the intermediate and base layers. The full-scale test indicates that all cases of asphalt layer thickness satisfy the settlement criteria. However, only the asphalt layer with a 35-cm thickness attains the earth pressure requirement. The numerical simulation results are reasonable and reliable by fitting the measurement curves of cyclic loading test.