Significance and Use
5.1 The laboratory fatigue life determined by this standard for beam specimens has been used to estimate the fatigue life of asphalt mixture pavement layers under repeated traffic loading. Although the field performance of asphalt mixtures is impacted by many factors (traffic variation, loading rate, and wander; climate variation; rest periods between loads; aging; etc.), it has been more accurately predicted when laboratory properties are known along with an estimate of the strain level induced at the layer depth by the traffic wheel load traveling over the pavement.
Note 2: 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 ensure 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.
Scope
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for determining a fatigue curve that is developed using three or more strain levels. The resulting data can be used in the fatigue models for mechanistic-empirical pavement design (that is, Pavement ME). Failure points are determined for estimating the fatigue life of 380 mm long by 50 mm thick by 63 mm in breadth (width) asphalt mixture beam (rectangular prism) specimens sawed from laboratory or field-compacted asphalt mixture, which are subjected to repeated flexural bending.
1.2 The largest nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) recommended for beams 50 mm thick is 19 mm. Beams made with an NMAS greater than 19 mm might significantly interfere with the material response, thereby affecting the repeatability of the test.
1.3 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.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard, with the exception of degrees (°) where angle is specified in accordance with IEEE/ASTM SI 10.
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
