Abstract
This paper describes a new wheel tracking test for analyzing movements of aggregates in mixtures. The test device is conducted using as examples four-layered specimens taken from two Swiss national motorways, where severe rutting (G section) and longitudinal cracking (H section) were observed. This test method was developed by Moriyoshi. Tests can be carried out under temperature distributions similar to field situation.
Two-dimensional movements and strains between aggregates for four-layered specimens due to the moving wheel loads were analyzed by right angle for direction of wheel pass. For this purpose, the cross section of the slabs with a width of 30 cm was divided optically into 5 vertical subsections. The transverse permanent surface deformations, the area changes in the transversal subsections as well as the maximum deformation of the surface and layer-interface through the centerline of the applied wheel load were determined. Strain distributions between aggregates in mixtures at high temperature (45°C) under 600 passes were also measured by photo analysis.
Test results show consolidation of the asphalt mixtures and material flow on the surface near the wheel load. The results also demonstrate that the aggregates (size of aggregate: 2 mm or larger) in each mixture move mainly in vertical direction. Large strains (40% or larger) between aggregates at summer condition were measured in the surface mixture near wheel track after 600 passes.
