Analyzing of Wedge Splitting Test on Asphalt Pavement Using Optical Measurements

Abstract This paper dealt with the characterization of opening mode fracture using Digital Image Correlation, coupled with a kinematic approach. Tests were carried out using a Wedge Splitting sample made in asphalt concrete AC12. The asphalt concrete was provided in the RILEM-SIB. The samples were a bi-layered asphalt concrete with or without a carbon fiber grid at interface. During experimentation, the sample deformation was recorded by using Digital Image Correlation. Based on the optical measurements coupled with the analytical approach, the energy release rate was performed by means the crack relative displacement and stress intensity factors. Using an adjustment procedure, based on an iterative Newton–Raphson algorithm, the crack relative displacement factor was calculated from optical measurements. the stress intensity factor was estimated from an analytical approach. Furthermore, the crack opening displacement was measured from the mark tracking method. This approach allowed the assessment of fracture parameters for the real structures to be considered.