The Use of the Indirect Tensile Test to Evaluate the Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures to Cracking and Moisture-Induced Damage
Publication: Airfield and Highway Pavements 2021
ABSTRACT
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is currently taking steps toward incorporating performance-based criteria into asphalt mixture design in an effort to build more durable and longer-lasting pavements. As part of this effort, the indirect tensile (IDT) conducted as per ASTM D8225-19 has been selected as a test method for evaluating the cracking susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. VDOT also requires that the susceptibility of asphalt mixtures against moisture-induced damage be evaluated by means of the AASHTO T283 standard. Apart from the difference in data analysis methodology, specimen thickness is the major difference between the two tests. For a 150-mm-diameter specimen, the IDT cracking test procedure specifies a specimen thickness of 62 mm, while the AASHTO T283 procedure requires a 95-mm thickness. The objective of this study was to investigate if the test procedure in AASHTO T283 can be modified by reducing the specimen thickness such that only one test can be performed for assessing the resistance of asphalt mixtures to moisture and crack-related damage at the same time. In addition, the cracking tolerance (CT) index was evaluated to quantify the cracking and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. The test results from five plant-produced asphalt mixtures indicated that the moisture damage test as per AASHTO T283 can be performed on asphalt concrete specimens with a thickness of 62 mm and a diameter of 150 mm. The analysis also indicated that the CT index was unable to provide the expected performance trends for asphalt mixtures subjected to a freeze-thaw cycle.
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Airfield and Highway Pavements 2021
Pages: 104 - 114
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Jun 4, 2021
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