Low temperature J-resistance curve determination of asphalt concrete using wavelet-Radon transform

Abstract

A single specimen test using the three point single edge notched beam configuration at low temperatures for obtaining hot mix asphalt (HMA) resistance curves is developed. Resistance curves are obtained for mixtures at six temperature levels of +5, 0, −5, −10, −15, and −20 °C and three binder contents of 4%, 4.5%, and 5%. Crack extension increments during the test are measured by means of an image processing technique using Radon transform and feature extraction. All the specimens exhibit a rising R-curve, indicating ductility and toughening mechanisms in the ductile-quasi brittle fracture of the mixture. It is observed that the reduction of temperature results in a further tendency of the mixture for unstable crack growth and less subcritical crack length. It is also shown that using the binarization process, an automatic index can be developed that can represent the extent of brittleness and extent of the low temperature in which the cracking has occurred.