A comparative study of the heterogeneous local mechanical response of two types of asphalt mixes

Two asphalt specimens featuring very different gradations, types of aggregates and binders are investigated in this study. A full-field measurement technique is used for this purpose: the grid method. Displacement and strain fields are captured during compression tests carried out on these specimens. The displacement and strain fields are analyzed and compared in light of the main characteristics of these materials. It is shown that a close relationship exists between gradation and ratio between local and global strain components. The strain recovery that follows the loading phase of the specimens is also analyzed and the difference between their mechanical response at the local level is also highlighted.