Coupling Analysis of Fracture Mechanics and Damage Mechanics for Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete Pavement

The initial damage and fracture zone are determined by the approach of coupling analysis of fracture mechanics and damage mechanics. An optimum fiber content of 0.2% in the asphalt concrete is proposed in comparison of the results obtained from composite theory with that obtained from the splitting tests. Crack growth with number of load cycles and fiber mass fraction of asphalt concrete pavement in which an initial surface crack of 4 cm length is included under cyclic temperature loading (-15°C) is simulated using damage mechanics theorem. By computing fatigue life, a new type of fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete pavement is developed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME