What does fatigue resistance refer to in civil engineering?

Fatigue resistance in civil engineering specifically refers to the ability of a material or structure to withstand repeated loading cycles without experiencing failure. In the context of civil engineering, materials such as asphalt and concrete are often subjected to factors like traffic loads that occur over extended periods. The repeated application of these loads can cause micro-cracks to develop, and over time, these can propagate, leading to structural failure if the material does not exhibit sufficient fatigue resistance.

This concept is crucial in the design and analysis of pavements, bridges, and other structures that experience dynamic forces. Ensuring that materials can handle these repeated tests is essential for longevity and safety. In this context, while moisture penetration, thermal expansion, and chemical deterioration are important factors to consider in material performance, they do not specifically define fatigue resistance. Instead, they relate to other aspects of material durability and performance under various environmental conditions.