Influence of loading pattern in four-point bending tests

This paper presents the results of a study where the fatigue life of a dense bituminous mixture was evaluated for three different types of loading pattern. The first loading pattern was a sinusoidal wave, the second was a haversine wave and the third was a modified sinusoidal wave. The rest period was 50% of the load time. The mixes used in this study were produced and compacted in laboratory using a rolling wheel compactor. The fatigue life of the mixes was compared based on the results of the four point bending test carried out at 20°C, under controlled strain mode of loading. Furthermore, comparisons were made between fatigue life predicted by the Shell, The Asphalt Institute, SHRP-A003A program procedures and the laboratory test results