Uniaxial Experiments on Idealized Asphalt Mixes

Abstract

This paper contains details of uniaxial compression experiments on various idealized asphalt mixes with volume fractions of aggregate ranging from 40 to 85%. The compression experiments are performed over a wide range of temperatures, stresses, and strain rates. The steady-state axial behavior of the mixes has the same form as that of bitumen with the aggregate acting as a stiffener. However, the mixes with high volume fractions of aggregate dilate under a uniaxial compressive stress. The experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions of a modified version of Hashin's composite sphere model. Good agreement is observed.