Viscoelastic, Viscoplastic, and Damage Modeling of Asphalt Concrete in Unconfined Compression

Abstract

A comprehensive constitutive model for asphalt concrete was calibrated that included viscoelasticity, viscoplasticity, and irreversible micro-structural damage in unconfined compression. Three different types of laboratory tests were designed and performed to calibrate each of these response components. Small-strain dynamic modulus tests were used to calibrate the undamaged linear viscoelastic properties. Cyclic creep and recovery tests to failure were performed to calibrate the viscoplastic properties. Constant-rate-of-strain tests to failure were used to calibrate the damage behavior. These tests were performed at a wide range of temperatures, loading rates, and stress levels. Upon calibration of each individual response, the model was validated by predicting the results of other constant-rate-of-strain tests at temperatures and strain rates different from those used in the calibrations. The predictions for these different conditions indicate that the comprehensive model can realistically simulate a wide range of asphalt concrete behavior.