Fatigue Testing in Asphalt Mixes: Emerging Trends and Findings from an Integrated Literature Review

This study compiled a dataset of published works relating to fatigue testing in asphalt mixes, covering 2020–2025. The dataset was subjected to bibliometric and textual analyses, including a systematic review, to explore emerging trends and patterns in experimental protocols. Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and IRaMuTeQ were employed to map the scientific landscape of 368 articles. Following PRISMA guidelines, the 100 most-cited articles were reviewed to identify prevailing test setups and parameters. The results showed a growing scientific production (9.1% per year), concentrated in a few high-impact journals and dominated by China, with emphasis on sustainability. A comparison between scientific output and a road quality index revealed a disconnect between academic research and field implementation. Five thematic clusters emerged: sustainable pavement management, mechanical characterization, binder modification, performance modeling, and evaluation of innovative materials. Indirect tensile and four-point bending tests were the most common loading modes. Considerable variability in protocols, frequent omissions of methodological details, and limited statistical treatment were also observed. The study highlighted the importance of standardized reporting and robust analysis, offering a reproducible framework to understand fatigue behavior and support future research.