EVALUATION OF THE PLASTIC STRAIN STRENGTH OF BITUMINOUS MIXES BY TESTING ON EXPERIMENTAL ROADWAYS IN THE LABORATORY

In Spain, owing to special climatic conditions, mix types used and road loading conditions, it has been necessary to adapt the wheel tracking test and the parameters defining bituminous mixes. The initial studies conducted with the purpose of obtaining adequate test standards have permitted preliminary specifications to be drawn up making it possible to evaluate the plastic strain strength of the bituminous mixes concerned. The purpose of this article is to make such specifications known, as well as the criteria followed in establishing them, setting out in addition the relationship between the various laboratory tests commonly used in the study of plastic strain strength. (TRRL)