THE DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF ASPHALTIC CONCRETE UNDER TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION (WITH DISCUSSION)

This paper addresses the deformation process of asphaltic concrete under triaxial compression. It shows to what extent the mechanical properties of the components as well as the mix composition and degree of compaction influence the deformation of test specimens of asphaltic concrete. These relationships are of considerable importance to the highway construction engineer. Even if a proper mix composition is no more expensive than an unsuitable one, the choice can only be made based upon a thorough knowledge of all the influencing factors. Mix design of asphaltic concrete is always a compromise between requirements with respect to deformation behavior at high temperatures on the one hand and rupture behavior at low temperatures on the other hand. The paper is limited exclusively to the deformation behavior resulting from triaxial compression at high temperatures. The deformation properties of asphaltic concrete are described and evaluated through clearly defined physical quantities.