A new approach for the advanced mechanical characterisation of asphalt mixtures using the hollow cylinder methodology

Abstract

This paper describes a new approach to conduct mechanical characterisation of asphalt mixtures – which is the most commonly used material in the construction of pavement infrastructure – through the use of the Hollow Cylinder Tester for Asphalt Mixtures (HCT-AM) equipment. This innovative laboratory set-up incorporates advanced loading application and instrumentation systems to measure and assess the response of these mixtures when subjected to the individual or combined effects of axial and torsional loads. Since the equipment also counts with a robust environmental conditioning system, it is also possible to measure the influence of climatic conditions on the mechanical response and performance of these materials. Initial testing on both axial and shear modes corroborates both the wide range of characterisation possibilities offered by the hollow cylinder technique and the quality of the results.