Analysis of selected properties of asphalt concrete with synthetic wax

This article discusses the issue of viscoplastic deformation that usually occurs in road pavements, especially in the summer season in Poland. The evaluation of viscoplastic deformations was performed on the example of the asphalt concrete designated for the binding course layer (AC16W). Additionally, the bitumen used for manufacturing asphalt concrete samples was modified with two types of synthetic waxes widely applied in the warm mix asphalt technology. These waxes varied in molecular weight, which affected their softening point results. Before decomposition of the total strain into elastic and viscoplastic part, oscillatory tests in the linear viscoelastic region were required. The generalized Maxwell model was used to describe the behavior of asphalt concrete in the linear viscoelastic range. Using the elasto-viscoelastic correspondence principle, described by Schapery, the initial yield strength stress was evaluated. The pseudostrain variable turned out to be useful for estimating the onset of viscoplastic strains occurring in road pavement. Such engineering procedure approach could result in faster approximation of the yield strength level during the design of pavement structures. It will also allow for differentiation of mixtures in terms of their susceptibility to permanent deformation and of their sensitivity to traffic induced overloading