Characterization of mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures under partial triaxial compression test

•The principle and testing procedures of PTCT were introduced.•The reasonable sizes of specimen and platen were determined for PTCT requirement.•The PTCT was conducted to characterize the deformation of asphalt mixtures.•Testing results were sensitive with the sizes of specimen and platen for PTCT.•Compared with other test method, the advantages of PTCT were explained.

The principle and procedures of partial triaxial compression test (PTCT) was introduced. The appropriate diameter and height of specimen and platen were determined for PTCT requirement. Three types of mixtures were tested by PTCT at a temperature of 60 °C. Stress–strain results indicate that the response of asphalt mixtures to various test conditions by PTCT is in accordance with that of typical triaxial compression tests. Also, both PTCT and traditional triaxial compression test represent the similar deformation characteristics of asphalt mixtures. The PTCT inherits many advantages possessed by the triaxial test, and is easier to be carried out considering the simplicity of experimental equipment, specimen preparation, and test operation.