Dynamic Compressive Behavior of Asphalt Concrete Material under Impact Load

Abstract In this article, the dynamic compressive behavior of asphalt concrete was investigated through the servo-hydraulic compressive test and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test. At a given temperature, asphalt concrete deformed slowly and permanently under quasi-static to low strain rate loading. Under higher strain rates loading, it suffered fracture. The failure plane of the asphalt concrete under low strain rates loading occurred at binder, while under high strain rates loading along the binder and aggregates. It was also found that the first branch of Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF) curve performed a smooth increase in strength, while the second branch increased sharply at the strain rate of 100 s−1. The suitability of the input DIF curve for numerical simulation was also discussed. A numerical model of asphalt concrete subjected to the SHPB test was developed and validated. It suggests the obtained compressive DIFs of asphalt concrete should be modified to avoid the duplication of the inertial effects. The modified DIF curve for current asphalt concrete material was also given. This research will be of direct importance to both practitioners and researchers involved with pavement design.