Estimation of Asphalt Mixture Fatigue Behaviour Using the Two-Point Bending Test

Abstract

The fatigue behaviour of bituminous layers must be taken into account when dimensioning road structures and projecting streets. To satisfy this fatigue criterion, laboratory tests must be used to determine the material characteristics and fatigue life of bituminous mixtures. The aim of this article is to study the crack initiation stage using a specific laboratory test: the two-point constant strain bending fatigue test on trapezoidal specimens. The laboratory tests were carried out on three types of bituminous mixes used in the wearing course, each containing successively two different types of bitumen (one imported and one Romanian). The conclusions drawn from this article refer to the influence of mix type and bitumen on the characteristics obtained.