New design method of fine aggregates mixtures and automated method for analysis of dynamic mechanical characterization data

Studies have shown that Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) is a good method to evaluate the resistance of the Fine Aggregate Matrix (FAM) portion of asphalt mixtures to cracking and moisture damage. However, a systematic, simple method to design FAM that accurately represents the composition and structure of that portion of the mixture needs to be developed. New procedure for preparing FAM specimens and software to analyze the data from the DMA and calculate fracture mechanics-based parameters were developed. The new specimen preparation method and software were successful in analyzing the moisture susceptibility of FAM mixtures prepared using different materials.

► The new design method results in easy to compact specimens with SGC.
► DMA samples are easy to core from the SGC specimens.
► New method based in current standard AASHTO procedures.
► Aggregate type had great impact on the moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixtures.
► Developed software was used to analyze the DMA test data, calculate crack radius index.