Researchers developed fracture mechanics-based specifications for determining the low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures using the disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) test and semi-circular bend (SCB) test; continued Phase I testing of additional samples using recycled and other materials; investigated the physical hardening effects for modified asphalt binders; proposed and validated a method for obtaining mixture creep compliance from DCT and SCB results; and developed a new thermal cracking model, the ILLI-TC, a significant step forward in accurately quantifying the cracking mechanism in pavements.
*Note: This project received the 2013 Research Partnership Award from the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies. (Watch a short video about the project.)