A new analytical approach for stiffness loss modelling of asphalt mixtures under cyclic indirect tensile loadings

In this study, the indirect tension mode of loading was used to investigate the fatigue behavior of both modified and unmodified asphalt mixtures. Experimental data were analyzed by studying the evolution of the stiffness modulus with the number of cycles. A new analytical approach was introduced to model the variation of the material stiffness and determine different phases of testing. The material response under the selected mode of loading was then characterized based on a damage parameter that refers to the quasi-stationary stage of testing. Moreover, the damage parameter, normalized by a specific stiffness value, was used to provide a general fatigue law where the fatigue life of materials is determined independently from mixture composition. Results prove that good correlations can be established.