Accuracy Improvement for Two-Dimensional Finite-Element Modeling while Considering Asphalt Mixture Meso-Structure Characteristics in Indirect Tensile Test Simulation
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 10
Abstract
A two-dimensional finite-element simulation consumes less computational resources and has higher efficiency than a three-dimensional simulation. However, the existence of great differences between different slice images makes it difficult to represent the meso-structure of the whole specimen by a single or small number of images, while aggregate content and particle distribution have a significant impact on the results of two-dimensional finite-element simulations. To obtain accurate calculation results, it is necessary to solve a large number of two-dimensional models to suppress the errors by calculating the average value of the results. In this paper, based on a large number of slice images obtained by X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning technology, two-dimensional finite-element models for indirect tensile test simulations were established while considering the meso-structure of asphalt mixtures. The relationship between the simulation results and the aggregate content was analyzed via an image processing method, and an aggregate content indicator was proposed and applied in the image selection process. According to the results, the use of the aggregate content indicator for the image selection process can greatly reduce the number of finite-element models and improve the calculation efficiency on the premise of ensuring the accuracy of the simulation results.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are proprietary or confidential in nature and may only be provided with restrictions.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51808115), the Cyan and Blue Talent Training Project of the Colleges and Universities in Jiangsu Province, the Science foundation of Nanjing Vocational Institute of Transport Technology (Project No. JZ1802), and the 333 High-Level Talent Training Project of Jiangsu Province. All the authors in the “References” section are much appreciated.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 10 • October 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 15, 2019
Accepted: Mar 11, 2020
Published online: Jul 17, 2020
Published in print: Oct 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Dec 17, 2020
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