How can the binder properties influence the road surface durability? An advanced method based on the bearing ratio curve

This paper presents an experimental procedure that allows evaluating the macrotexture durability of an asphalt concrete specimen by laboratory testing. The specimen surface is modified through the application of a sinusoidal repeated load at high temperature. The studied surface is scanned before and after mechanical solicitation using a laser profiler. Texture maps are analysed using 3D bearing ratio curve (the 3D extension of the Abbott curve (2D)). This 3D analysis enables to quantify macrotexture evolution under repeated traffic conditions and to evaluate the influence of both temperature and binder on this evolution.