Analysis of cracking resistance of bituminous mixtures using Fenix test

• Fénix test allows assessing fracture energy during cracking of bituminous mixtures.
• Variation of mechanical behavior with temperature has been analyzed.
• Several types of bituminous mixtures with a wide stiffness range were studied.
• Mixture with high performance polymer modified bitumen showed the best response to cracking.

The aim of this study is to characterize the cracking resistance of several bituminous mixtures using Fénix test at different temperatures (from 30 °C to −30 °C) in order to minimize the phenomenon of reflective cracking in pavements. This direct tensile strength test evaluates the cracking resistance of asphalt mixes by calculating the energy dissipated during mixture cracking.Different types of bituminous mixtures containing different types of bitumen to obtain a wide stiffness range were analyzed. Environmental and sustainability aspects were considered when selecting the different bitumens (low temperature, rejuvenating agents, crumb rubber, among others).The mix with high performance polymer modified bitumen, with the highest energy curve, has the best response to cracking, especially in the temperature range between 5 and −10 °C. Fatigue laws obtained through 4-point bending beam test confirm results. The mixes with the best response to cracking, under similar stiffness levels, have higher fracture energy.