Evaluation of Dilatancy Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures Using Partial Triaxial Compression Tests

Abstract

Dilatancy behavior plays a key role in the rutting of asphalt mixtures; therefore, it is important to study its behavior to better predict and mitigate rutting of asphalt pavements. In this study, a partial triaxial compression test (PTCT) was developed and employed to characterize the dilatancy of asphalt mixtures. On the basis of the analysis of the principles and the testing method of the PTCT, the parameters of the specimen and the pedestals were determined using the finite-element method to ensure that the specimen could provide a similar confining pressure to that in an actual asphalt pavement. The diameters and heights of the pedestal and specimen were determined to be