Micro-cracks and their effect on crack modelling in thin AC surfacings

Title: Micro-cracks and their effect on crack modelling in thin AC surfacings
Author(s): H. Norrison, J. Holden
Paper category : conference
Book title: Fifth International RILEM Conference on Reflective Cracking in Pavements
Editor(s): C. Petit, I.L. Al-Qadi and A. Millien
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-47-0
e-ISBN: 2912143764
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 291 - 298
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 9
Language: English

Abstract: The ability to predict crack occurrence in asphaltic concrete (AC) surfacings depends on a number of factors that are associated with the mechanical properties and chemical structure of materials used in the construction of AC surfacings. In earlier crack models, hairline cracks were excluded from analyses and modelling due to difficulties associated with observation of their parameters and also it was regarded that they have little effect on the behaviour and performance of AC layers.These investigations made it possible not only to view the incipient nano- and micro-cracks in asphaltic concrete layers but also permitted the measurement of their parameters and the analysis of their growth trend over time. The results obtained suggest that cracking is a continuous process in which some micro-cracks grow into macro-cracks while new nano-and micro- cracks initiate in the AC microtexture. This information enabled the development of a micro-crack model that not only enhances the earlier proposed crack predictive models but also reveals the importance of sub-surface cracks (nano- and micro-cracks) on behaviour and performance of AC layers.

Online publication: 2004-04-15
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00