Heterogeneous Finite-Element Modeling of the Dynamic Complex Modulus Test of Asphalt Mixture Using X-ray Computed Tomography
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 9
Abstract
Asphalt mixture is a heterogeneous, composite material consisting of aggregate, mastic, and air voids. Analysis of laboratory tests such as the dynamic complex modulus assumes that this material can be dealt with as a homogeneous material while overlooking the particulate nature of this composite. Because of the limitations of the elastic continuum theory, pavement engineers have recently paid considerable attention to the use of advanced modeling techniques for simulating the realistic behavior of asphalt mixtures. The objective of this study is to develop a three-dimensional (3D), heterogeneous model to describe the response of asphalt mixtures in the dynamic complex modulus test using an X-ray computed tomography image–based finite-element (FE)-modeling approach. Experimental testing results for two superpave mixtures, including one conventional hot-mix asphalt and one warm-mix asphalt, were used to validate and calibrate the developed FE models. Acceptable agreement between laboratory-measured and model-predicted dynamic modulus test results was achieved. Results of the developed FE models at different temperatures indicated that most of the deformations during the dynamic modulus test are derived from the mastic. In addition, the asphalt mastic had more influence than the aggregates on the results of the dynamic complex modulus test.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents—Research Competitiveness Subprogram. The assistance of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center and B. Vallabhu in preparing the asphalt concrete specimens is greatly appreciated. The authors also acknowledge the assistance of Emad Kassem at Texas Transportation Institute in conducting X-ray CT testing for the asphalt mixes.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 9 • September 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 14, 2013
Accepted: Sep 30, 2013
Published online: Oct 2, 2013
Published in print: Sep 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Oct 12, 2014
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