ASTM D8044-16 - 1.7.2016
 
Significance and Use

5.1 The critical strain energy release rate, Jc, is used to compare the cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures prepared with different binder and aggregate types prepared to meet the volumetric requirements of differing traffic levels tested at intermediate temperatures.

5.2 This engineering property is a performance indicator of intermediate temperature cracking.

Note 1: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the procedures for preparation, testing, and measurement of asphalt mixture cracking resistance at Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database intermediate temperatures using semi-circular bend (SCB) geometry laboratory prepared or pavement core asphalt mix samples tested monotonically. The SCB sample is a half-disk with a notch cut parallel to the loading and vertical axis. The test method describes the determination of the critical strain energy release rate, Jc, and other parameters determined from the load-displacement curve. These parameters can be used to rank the resistance of asphalt mixtures to cracking.

1.2 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

Standard Specification for Performance-Graded Using Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) Test

M320

Standard Specification for Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder

R30

Practice for Mixture Conditioning of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

E3029-15(2023)

Standard Practice for Determining Relative Spectral Correction Factors for Emission Signal of Fluorescence Spectrometers

E2309/E2309M-20

Standard Practices for Verification of Displacement Measuring Systems and Devices Used in Material Testing Machines

E399-24

Standard Test Method for Linear-Elastic Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials

E178-21

Standard Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

D979/D979M-22

Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Mixtures

D2041/D2041M-19

Standard Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures

E4-24

Standard Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines

D6925-23

Standard Test Method for Preparation and Determination of the Relative Density of Asphalt Mix Specimens by Means of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor

D6857/D6857M-25

Standard Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method

D6373-23

Standard Specification for Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder

D5361/D5361M-16(2022)

Standard Practice for Sampling Compacted Asphalt Mixtures for Laboratory Testing

D3666-26

Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials

D3203-D3203M-17

Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures

D2726/D2726M-21

Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures