Investigation of splitting fatigue damage evolution and crack propagation in cement-stabilized macadam considering tensive-compressive modulus asymmetry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-31-2025

Department

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Abstract

Cement-stabilized macadam (CSM) is a key semi-rigid base material, yet its tensile–compressive modulus asymmetry under repeated vehicle loading is rarely considered in pavement design. This study aims to quantify how this bi-modulus characteristic influences fatigue damage evolution and crack propagation, thereby improving fatigue-life prediction and maintenance strategies. Cylindrical CSM specimens (Ø150 mm × 150 mm, 5 % cement, 90 d standard cure) were subjected to stress-controlled splitting fatigue tests at 10 Hz and stress ratios of 0.70, 0.75, 0.80 and 0.85. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) monitored full-field strains and crack growth in real time. A segmented bi-modulus fatigue damage model (three stages for tension, two stages for compression) was developed and calibrated using test data. Grey relational analysis assessed the coupling between modulus decay and crack width, while a modified Logistic function was adopted to predict critical crack width and residual life. Tensile modulus degradation followed three distinct phases: rapid decay (accounting for approximately 15 % of fatigue life), stable decay (about 75 %), and accelerated instability (around 10 %). Compressive modulus decay exhibited two phases: rapid decay (roughly 25 %) and linear decay (about 75 %). Residual tensile modulus dropped to 30–50 % of the initial value at failure, whereas compressive modulus decreased to 25–35 %. Grey correlation coefficients between crack width and modulus attenuation were 0.68–0.69. The Logistic model accurately predicted critical crack widths (0.058–0.182 mm) and corresponding loading cycles for each stress ratio. The proposed segmented bi-modulus fatigue damage model reliably captures the nonlinear evolution of damage in CSM (R² > 0.88) and highlights the decisive role of modulus asymmetry in fatigue cracking. Integration of DIC and grey relational analysis provides a robust framework for linking micro-scale fracture processes to macro-scale modulus loss. The findings offer practical guidance for optimizing mix design, estimating residual life, and scheduling preventive maintenance of semi-rigid pavements.

Publication Title

Construction and Building Materials

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