Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

1-29-2009

Abstract

Cracking is one of the major distresses in asphalt concrete leading to high maintenance and rehabilitation costs throughout the nations pavement infrastructure. Asphalt concrete is a three phase, heterogeneous composite consisting of aggregate, mastic, and air voids. Crack initiation, crack path and propagation are not well understood in asphalt concrete. This thesis work presents testing and analysis of cracking in semi-circular notched asphalt concrete samples in three point bending. Load and crack width data at different locations of the sample were captured in real time using Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs). Crack initiation, path, and velocity are examined with varying notch tip location, mixture type, void content, and moisture conditioning. Crack path is further examined by means of laboratory testing on the mastic and interface phases of asphalt concrete.'

Keywords

Asphalt concrete--Cracking, Asphalt concrete pavements--Cracking.

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Stormont, John

Second Committee Member

Ng, Percy

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