New design method of fine aggregates mixtures and automated method for analysis of dynamic mechanical characterization data

Studies have shown that Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) is a good method to evaluate the resistance of the Fine Aggregate Matrix (FAM) portion of asphalt mixtures to cracking and moisture damage. However, a systematic, simple method to design FAM that accurately represents the composition and structure of that portion of the mixture needs to be developed. New procedure for preparing FAM specimens and software to analyze the data from the DMA and calculate fracture mechanics-based parameters were developed. The new specimen preparation method and software were successful in analyzing the moisture susceptibility of FAM mixtures prepared using different materials.