Journal Published Online: 21 March 2014
Volume 3, Issue 1

Determining Coefficients of Thermal Contraction and Expansion of Asphalt Concrete Using Horizontal Asphalt Strain Gage

CODEN: ACEMF9

Abstract

Thermal strain occurs in asphalt pavement from thermal contraction and expansion due to temperature decrease and increase, respectively. No standard procedure to measure thermal strain is available. This study determines thermal strain per unit increase or decrease in temperature (also referred to as coefficient of thermal contraction or thermal expansion (CTC or CTE)) in an instrumented pavement section on Interstate 40 (I-40) in New Mexico. Firstly, the Horizontal Asphalt Strain Gages (HASGs) are calibrated for temperature to measure thermal strain. In the second step, the thermal strain variations in fall, winter, and summer are determined. For validation, the CTC and the CTE values are measured in the laboratory on three field collected cylindrical cored samples using Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs) and temperature sensors. The LVDTs are also calibrated using a cylindrical zerodur block to account the temperature effect on it. Results show that field CTC and CTE values are close to the laboratory findings.

Author Information

Islam, Md Rashadul
Department of Civil Engineering, Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, US
Tarefder, Rafiqul
Department of Civil Engineering, Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, US
Pages: 17
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: ACEM20130101
ISSN: 2165-3984
DOI: 10.1520/ACEM20130101