Laboratory mixed-mode cracking of asphalt concrete using the single-edge notch beam

Reflective cracking is a combination of Mode I (opening) and Mode II (sliding) fracture, or Mixed-Mode fracture. The Single-Edge Notch Beam [SE(B)] test was used to analyze Mixed-Mode fracture characteristics of three asphalt concrete mixtures in the laboratory. The peak loads were similar across all three mixtures, emphasizing the importance of fracture mechanics when analyzing low temperature characteristics of asphalt concrete. The fracture work successfully differentiated the three mixtures, and showed that the fracture work increased as the level of Mode II increased. Simulations showed the damage in the mixtures evolved differently, with the more compliant mixtures showing a higher percentage of dissipated creep damage, and the more quasi-brittle mixture showing a higher percentage of dissipated fracture damage.