PAVEMENT FATIGUE CONCEPTS: A HISTORICAL REVIEW

Abstract

This historical review by Anastasios M. Ioannides traces and evaluates the evolution of pavement fatigue concepts, with a focus on the application of Miner's linear cumulative fatigue hypothesis in the design of Portland cement concrete (PCC) and hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. The study reviews various fatigue transfer functions and their discrepancies, reflecting the lack of consensus among researchers on the factors controlling pavement fatigue behavior. The review includes early experiments on PCC pavements dating back to the late 19th century and discusses the significant influence of fatigue testing for PCC pavements on modern design concepts. The adoption of Miner's hypothesis, especially after the AASHO Road Test, and its implications for pavement design are critically examined. Alternatives to current fatigue concepts, such as sophisticated fracture mechanics, are recommended to enhance pavement design accuracy. This paper highlights the ongoing USACE study expected to develop an improved methodology for accounting for pavement fatigue, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of fatigue phenomena in pavement materials and the necessity for more accurate design methodologies. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)