Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Models for Asphalt Mixtures
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 134, Issue 12
Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to develop three-dimensional (3D) microstructure-based discrete element models of asphalt mixtures to study the dynamic modulus from the stress-strain response under compressive loads. The 3D microstructure of the asphalt mixture was obtained from a number of two-dimensional (2D) images. In the 2D discrete element model, the aggregate and mastic were simulated with the captured aggregate and mastic images. The 3D models were reconstructed with a number of 2D models. This stress-strain response of the 3D model was computed under the loading cycles. The stress-strain response was used to predict the asphalt mixture’s stiffness (modulus) by using the aggregate and mastic stiffness. The moduli of the 3D models were compared with the experimental measurements. It was found that the 3D discrete element models were able to predict the mixture moduli across a range of temperatures and loading frequencies. The 3D model prediction was found to be better than that of the 2D model. In addition, the effects of different air void percentages and aggregate moduli to the mixture moduli were investigated and discussed.
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Acknowledgments
This study was partially supported by the State of Michigan Research Excellence Fund. This material is also based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. NSF0701264. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writer’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 134 • Issue 12 • December 2008
Pages: 1053 - 1063
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 7, 2006
Accepted: Mar 6, 2008
Published online: Dec 1, 2008
Published in print: Dec 2008
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Ching S. Chang
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