A Study on Dynamic Modulus of Epoxy Asphalt Concrete: Experiment and Modeling

Epoxy asphalt concrete (EAC) has been applied as a surface layer for heavy-load pavements and as a coating layer on steel bridge decks in many countries such as Japan, the UK and the US. EAC exhibits several superior properties, including enhanced resistance to rutting and fatigue cracking, compared to conventional asphalt concrete (AC). The dynamic modulus (|E*|) is a key parameter used to evaluate the performance of EAC in flexible pavement structures. This paper presents laboratory experimental results of the dynamic modulus of EAC across a broad range of temperatures and loading frequencies. Based on these results, master curves of |E*| were constructed to investigate viscoelastic properties of EAC mixtures. Moreover, in order to simulate |E*| master curves of EAC, the model “2S2P1D” was chosen because it has been proven to be suitable for all types of asphalt mixtures. The experimental and simulation results of |E*| master curves of EAC mixtures compared with those of polymer modified asphalt concrete (PMAC) showed that EAC have been retained the viscoelastic properties of asphalt materials.