New relationships between structural properties and asphalt mix parameters

Improved relationships between some of the fundamental mechanical properties and the mix variables of asphalt are presented and discussed. It is shown that the properties of asphalt mixes can be predicted from a knowledge of several parameters of compacted asphalt mix, magnitude of applied load, and test temperature. During the course of the investigation, a new indirect tensile test apparatus was designed, fabricated, and tested. The apparatus was then used to conduct cyclic load indirect tensile tests using Marshall-type specimens and various asphalt concrete mixes. The indirect tensile test can be used to characterize the elastic, total, creep, permanent deformation, and fatigue behavior of asphalt concrete mixes.