ABSTRACT
Fatigue resistance is one of the most important performance indicators of hot mix asphalts (HMA). It is commonly tested using different setups, e.g. the 2-, 3- or 4-point bending test, the cyclic indirect tensile test, etc. These tests are carried out on the asphalt mix level which brings high demands for material, specimen preparation and testing time. Testing fatigue on the right scale of observation could save time and money. This paper presents a test method to address the fatigue resistance of asphalt mastic. The method is based on the DSR, which is commonly available in asphalt laboratories. An optimized specimen shape (hyperboloid-like) in the PP08 geometry ensures a stress concentration in the centre of the specimen and thus, results in cohesive fatigue failure. A first test series with one bitumen and two different filler materials show that the method is highly repeatable and discriminates different filler qualities well.
