Applying a full-field measurement technique to study the mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures

Abstract

This study is an experimental investigation of the mechanical response of asphalt mixtures using a full-field measurement technique: the grid method. This measuring technique is able to detect small strain amplitudes (up to hundreds of microstrains) with a spatial resolution which is often compatible with the high strain gradients which generally occur in thin binder layers between aggregates. Compression tests were carried out on cylindrical specimens. Displacement and strain fields were measured during these tests. The main conclusion is that the mixtures exhibit highly concentrated strain peaks in the binder, while the aggregates remain almost undeformed. In addition the analysis of the local temporal response of the binder shows that it exhibits a nonlinear local response.