An experimental approach to the rheological characterization of bituminous mixtures based on pseudo-random stress excitations

Author(s): A. Virgili, F. Canestrari, A. Graziani
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Rheology and processing of Construction Materials – 7th RILEM International Conference on Self-Compacting Concrete and 1st RILEM International Conference on Rheology and Processing of Construction Materials
Editor(s): Nicolas Roussel and Hela Bessaies-Bey
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-137-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-138-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 25-32
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: 
Rheological behavior of bituminous mixtures in the small strain domain is effectively described by the Linear Visco-Elasticity (LVE) theory. Since the response of LVE materials is equivalent to that of Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) systems, material functions that are used to characterize LVE behavior in the frequency domain can be considered as Frequency Response Functions (FRF) of a LTI system. In this experimental research a pseudo-random stress excitation, comprising a broad band of harmonic components, is used to estimate the LVE response function of a bituminous mixture using signals and systems oriented techniques. Cylindrical specimens were tested in tensioncompressions configuration, both excitation (stress) and response (strain) signals were analyzed using a spectral analysis. The FRF estimated using pseudo-random experiments is compared with conventional harmonic analysis results. Advantages and limitations of the proposed approach are highlighted, paying particular attention to the possible effects of non-linearity and viscoplastic deformations.

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00