Mixed mode fracture resistance of asphalt concrete mixtures

Fracture resistance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) is an important parameter for characterizing the asphalt concrete probable performance in cold climates. In this research study, two types of semi-circular bend (SCB) specimens containing an edge vertical crack are used and subjected to asymmetric three-point bending load to measure the critical load needed for calculation of HMA fracture resistance. The numerical and experimental results indicate that the proposed test specimens would allow the measurement of critical loads under complete combinations of mixed mode deformation ranging from pure mode I to pure mode II and therefore can be used as suitable specimens for investigating mixed mode crack deformation of HMA mixtures at low temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.