Abstract: The operating conditions of currenthighways require the development and implementation of newtesting standards for pavement materials with regard to dynamicimpact. Pavement materials have a complex hierarchical structureexhibiting a self-consistent response to load at different scalelevels. The corresponding parameters of the phenomenologicalmodels used for macroscopic objects essentially depend onlower-scale processes, and this relationship determines thebehavior and strength of the material under both static anddynamic loading. This paper reports dynamic test results forsome bitumen binders and asphalt concrete, and provides theiranalysis on the basis of the incubation time criterion. Thetests were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar onmaterials previously exposed to room or negative (–10°C)temperature. Experimental data showed that thestructural-temporal approach based on the concept of theincubation time of fracture can be a good tool for analyzing andpredicting the dynamic strength effects of pavement materials.Since the fracture incubation time characterizes the duration ofmacrofracture preparation processes at different scale levels,control over this parameter through the structural features ofthe material can provide the desired material response todynamic load. The proposed structural-temporal parameters can beincorporated into new standards developed with the idea of adifferential choice of materials depending on the expectedhighway operating conditions.