Description
The experimental investigation presented in this paper focuses on the characterization of the fatigue behavior in crumb rubber modified (CRM) asphalt binders. The main purpose was to identify and to describe the fatigue processes in CRM binders rather than quantify the expected improvement in fatigue life due to crumb rubber modification. The development of the complex modulus (G*) in cyclic shear tests (time sweeps) was recorded
under different loading conditions and the obtained trends were evaluated according to the available failure criteria. Using both stress-controlled and strain-controlled testing mode, the relations between the stress/strain amplitude and the number of cycle to failure (S-N curves) were established. The results allowed to define some dynamics related to the contribute of the crumb rubber modification in binder damage resistance with regard to the considered loading conditions. The role of the rheometrical parameters was also investigated and the influence of the loading mode on the damage characteristics of CRM binders was established.
