Quantifying Healing Based on Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Theory in Fine Aggregate Asphalt Specimen

Abstract

The ability of an asphalt mix to heal is an important property that influences the overall fatigue performance of the mix in the field. In this study, an experimental and analytical method based on viscoelastic continuum damage theory was developed to characterize the healing in an asphalt composite (fine aggregate matrix) as a function of the level of damage prior to the rest period and the duration of the rest period. Four different types of fine aggregate matrix (FAM) were tested to quantify overall healing at isothermal conditions. Two different verification tests were conducted to demonstrate that the percentage healing measured using the proposed method are independent of the sequence of loading or rest period. Results from the tests support the hypothesis that the healing characteristics determined using the proposed test method can be treated as a characteristic material property.