Asphalt Concrete Response (Acre Determination, Modelling & Prediction

In this dissertation the development of a realistic material for asphalt concrete is described. The model expresses this response as a function of the state of stress, the temperature and the strain rate. Laboratory tests on the material with an a-priory known, uniform state of stress are used to determine the material response and the model parameters. In this project uniaxial compression, uniaxial tension and multiaxial four-point shear tests are used to provide this information. Since these tests are not commonly used to provide this information. Since these tests are not commonly used in road engineering the setups, instrumentation and data analysis procedures were developed within the project. The setups are discussed in detail, including the development of an effective friction reduction system for compression testing and unloading measurements in tension. Furthermore procedures used to determine the model parameters from the test results and the methods used to determine the model parameters form the test results and the methods used to express them as general functions of temperature and strain rate are presented. The model that is developed on the basis of the tests distinguishes between tensile and compressive damage, because tensile damage does not affect the compressive strength while compressive damage weakens the material in tension. Since in pavements tensile and compressive stresses alternate, this difference is very important. The model is verified by simulating the tests used to determine the model parameters and the Indirect Tensile Test. From these simulations it can be seen that the model provides a realistic representation of asphalt concrete response of the different damage types are used.Erkens, Sandra is the author of 'Asphalt Concrete Response (Acre Determination, Modelling & Prediction' with ISBN 9789040723261 and ISBN 9040723265.