Digital image correlation to investigate crack propagation and healing of asphalt concrete

Accurate determination of the mechanical properties of asphalt concrete is very important in Road Engineering. The traditional method to calculate these properties is to run experiments using a hydraulic/pneumatic actuator and strain gauges to apply stress and measure the strain. However, in the last decade optical measurement techniques have become popular for strain calculation on the surface of the specimen and detecting the cracks on the surface. In this study, digital image correlation is used to estimate the strain map on the surface of an asphalt specimen, predict the location of crack initiation, and investigate the healing phenomenon in asphalt concrete.