Fatigue resistance of Warm Mix Asphalt and Rubber Asphalt Concrete with the Dissipated Energy Approach

Loss of pavement serviceability resulting from fatigue cracking development and propagation represents a key issue in the design of asphalt mixes, as well as in the structural design of flexible pavements. Consequently, it is relevant to measure the fatigue characteristics of specific mixes in relation with varying strain and temperature conditions. Many laboratory test methods and failure criteria are available to characterize the fatigue performance of asphalt concretes; among them the Dissipated Energy Approach, based on the energy balance classical theory, can be adopted to deepen the comprehension of the asphalt fatigue. In particular, it has been applied for studying the fatigue of eco-compatible mixes like: two Warm Mix Asphalt, with and without SBS, and one Rubber Asphalt; these are compared with a traditional asphalt mix through the study of the Plateau Value (PV) and its connection with the Fatigue Endurance Limit (FEL).