Fractal Dimension for the Characterization of Asphalt Mixture Properties

In the design of asphalt mixtures for paved roads, the shape of solid elements has a great importance. In asphalt concrete, the shape of aggregate particles influences the resistance, durability, stiffness, fatigue response and the required binder content of the mixture. Fractal geometry is more suitable to describe the irregularity of the shape of aggregate particles. This paper describes the influence of fractal dimension on the proprieties of asphalt concrete. Following an analytical and an experimental study, it was possible to find a correlation between Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) mechanical proprieties and the fractal characteristics of the aggregate mixtures. The proposed approach allows to determine the optimal fractal dimension in order to select an appropriate aggregate gradation for the specific use. This fractal approach could be employed for predicting the characteristics of asphalt concretes, given as input the fractal dimension of the aggregate mixtures of the concrete materials.