Normalization of fatigue characteristics for asphalt mixtures under different stress states

Abstract The fatigue test methods under different test conditions have strong impact on the test results, which obstructs a precise evaluation of fatigue characteristic for asphalt mixtures. Different test conditions means different stress states. Fatigue characteristic of a material is an objective attribute, and it should not vary with test methods and conditions. In order to accurately and objectively evaluate the fatigue properties of asphalt mixtures, a normalization model of fatigue characteristics for asphalt mixtures under different stress states was established based on the yield criterion in 3 dimensional stress states and the patterns of variation between the strength and the loading rate. The compressive, tensile and indirect tensile strength and fatigue tests were carried out respectively in different loading rates. The yield surface of strength for asphalt mixture was put forward based on the strength tests results and the yield criterion. Then, the normalization model of fatigue characteristics for asphalt mixtures under different stress states was established based on the yield criterion in 3 dimensional stress states. The results show that the differences of the fatigue tests results of asphalt mixtures under different test condition are large. It is difficult to evaluate the fatigue performance in different stress states of asphalt mixtures by using the conventional S-N fatigue equation. However, these differences can be reduced or even eliminated by using the normalization model, which considered the influence of the stress state and the strength corresponding to the fatigue loading frequency and stress level. The unified expression of fatigue characteristics under different test conditions for asphalt mixtures was realized. The fatigue behavior of asphalt mixture under different stress conditions can be objectively evaluated by using the normalized model.