Evaluation of the rutting deformation data of asphalt mixtures during continuous cycle testing based on short-cycle wheel tracking testing

Research on rutting deformation was performed using a wheel tracking machine (WTM) in the laboratory. The limited capabilities of the equipment, which can run for 1,260 cycles, are often an obstacle to accomplishing more in-depth analysis. This study evaluated the use of two types of asphalt mixtures based on the penetration value and the temperatures. The goal of this study was to use the WTM at a short cycle capacity to collect up to 3,780 cycles to reach plastic deformation (secondary zone). The curve is not continuous due to the lag time between each step of the test. The model was developed based on the changes in the deformation for each cycle. A method is proposed to evaluate the relationship between the rutting deformation curve and the load cycles of WTM during testing. The results showed that the curve is the power function with R² values from 0.963 to 1.000. This model can improve the shape of the curve with the addition of a reload step in the WTM short cycle.