Study of the mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures using fractional rheology to model their viscoelasticity. (10th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lagos-Varas, M.; Movilla-Quesada, D.; Arenas, J.P.; Raposeiras, A.C.; Castro-Fresno, D.; Calzada-Pérez, M.A.; Vega-Zamanillo, A.; Maturana, J.
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 200(2019)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2019-03-10
• Subjects: Viscoelasticity -- Asphalt mixtures -- Fractional rheology -- Aggregate -- Binder; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.12.073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A new model is presented to study asphalt mixtures composed of aggregate particles attached with an asphalt binder. Viscoelastic equations for an asphalt mixture are developed using derivatives of fractional order. The creep, recovery, and relaxation phenomena in an asphalt mixture are analyzed using the new model. The new model better represents practical cases of asphalt mixtures used in the construction of pavement layers. The model can be used to modify the properties of the binder for designing optimized and more resistant asphalt mixtures. Abstract: This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures composed of aggregate particles attached with an asphalt binder. Asphalt mixtures are viscoelastic composite materials widely used in the construction of pavement layers. The modelling of such materials is currently done using the Burgers model. However, this model is limited when explaining some of the viscoelastic phenomena of an asphalt mixture, mainly because the Burgers model was developed for a single material with a dual nature. This work presents a new approach that provides a more appropriate framework for studying asphalt mixtures. The model assumes an aggregate particle enclosed by an asphalt material. Viscoelastic equations were developed using derivatives of fractional order. Then, the creep, recovery, and relaxation phenomena in an asphalt mixture were analyzed using the new model. Unlike the Burgers model, the new model can predict the elastic jump observed at the beginning of the creep modulus. Thus, the new model seems to describe better those practical cases of asphalt mixtures used in the construction of pavement layers. The new model can be used to modify the properties of the binder for designing optimized and more resistant asphalt mixtures.