Analysis of Linear Viscoelastic Response Function Model for Asphalt Binders

Asphalt binder properties play a significant role in the performance of asphalt pavement, but it is impossible to test the properties of asphalt binders under every condition. However, a suitable model that can be established using only a few tests can predict the behavior of asphalt binders under different conditions. Such models have received much attention over the last few decades. Many types of models are available, but most of them focus on only one kind of viscoelastic characteristic, whereas a good model should describe not only the dynamic viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt binders under cyclic loading but also their static viscoelastic characteristics. Based on this idea, the aim of this study is to compare the commonly used models and determine which one(s) can best describe both the dynamic and static viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt binders at intermediate temperatures and are suitable for establishing a fatigue damage model of asphalt binders. The dynamic viscoelastic characteristics as well as the static creep and relaxation characteristics of two kinds of neat asphalt binders were tested. The Maxwell model, three-parameter liquid model, Burger's model, the generalized Maxwell model, and the 1S2P1D model were compared for describing different characteristics of the asphalt binders. The results indicate that the generalized Maxwell model and 1S2P1D model are better than other models at describing the viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt binders. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages. Together with the ability to describe the behaviors of asphalt binders and the computational difficulty, the generalized Maxwell model is recommended. (C) 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.