Plastic deformation in asphalt concrete layers is one of the most common modes of distress in flexible pavement structures in the Costa Rican context. This phenomenon is related to the compressibility of the layer (consolidation under loads) and/or the lack of shear strength (plastic flow).
Currently, one of the most widely used indirect methods for determining the tensile strength of concrete is the splitting tensile test, due to its ease of execution and reproducibility.
The objective of this research was to investigate the reliability of the test in relation to the variation of tensile strength. This work consisted of an experimental study on the splitting tensile behavior with respect to the following factors: age, moisture condition at the time of testing, and level of vibration.
In order to reach objective conclusions, a statistical study based on an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model of the results was carried out.
For molded concrete specimens, the only variable that significantly affected the strength was the age at the time of testing, specifically for those that had been kept in a curing chamber and then submerged in a water tank 48 hours prior to testing. For both ages, it was observed that variations in the specimen’s moisture condition at the time of testing did not necessarily result in changes in splitting tensile strength.
The behavior of core samples taken from hardened concrete was different. No clear trend of increase or decrease in splitting tensile strength was observed as any of the three studied factors were varied.
The long-term performance of asphalt mixtures largely depends on the quality of the aggregates and the manner in which they are handled during the production and placement processes. In general terms, approximately 94% to 95% of the total weight of the mixture corresponds to the aggregate materials (when these exhibit absorption rates between 2.0% and 1.0%). The production process of asphalt concrete must be governed by a rigorous quality control system in order to maintain oversight at every stage of the production process. This is an essential requirement for achieving a high-quality product that consistently meets the specifications. In accordance with the aforementioned, the quality of the aggregate sources, as well as the methods of extraction and handling of these materials, as the predominant RAW MATERIAL, are direct determinants of the quality of the final product.