Improved fracture toughness evaluation for fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete through double-parameter theory

Fracture toughness serves as a key parameter in the design and durability assessment of asphalt concrete. Quantifying the fracture toughness for fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete (FRAC), remains challenging due to the incorporation of fibers. This study proposes an improved method for evaluating the fracture toughness of FRAC, based on the double-parameter theory derived from the theoretical concepts of stress intensity factor K and energy release rate (double-K and double-G fracture models). Using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology, crack propagation during three-point bending beam tests on FRAC beams was measured, refining the calculation of critical crack length a_c in the double-K fracture parameters. Additionally, a method is introduced to calculate the improved solution of double-G fracture parameters by monitoring crack propagation in real-time to determine the effective crack length a, and simultaneously computing the energy absorbed per unit crack extension, thereby constructing the J-R curve during stable crack growth phases. The fracture toughness of FRAC is evaluated by the improved method obtained double-G fracture parameters were used in Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) simulations to achieve virtual modeling of FRAC. The results demonstrate that the improved method provides accurate fracture performance indicators for FRAC. Moreover, the study establishes modified calculation formulas for ($G_{\mathrm{IC}}^u$) and ($K_{\mathrm{IC}}^u$) at unstable fracture toughness for FRAC at different temperatures, considering various fiber types and contents, thereby enhancing computational efficiency for practical applications. This research contributes to more accurate and effective methods for testing and evaluating the fracture performance of FRAC.