Numerical Simulation of an Indirect Tensile Test for Asphalt Mixtures Using Discrete Element Method Software
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30, Issue 5
Abstract
A three-dimensional discrete element model of an asphalt mixture is developed based on discrete element method (DEM) software to investigate the cracking mechanism of the asphalt mixture, which is validated by the results of an indirect tensile test. Then, the model is applied to study the displacement field and fracture fragment distribution in terms of the micromechanical behavior. The results indicate that the failure process can be divided into three periods, namely, elastic growth of tensile stress, rapid expansion of the cracks, and crack coalescence. The fracture fragment initially forms near the loading bar and develops gradually until coalescence. Displacement circulation arises during the loading period, and the location depends largely on the crack development. Further, parameter-sensitive analysis revealed the effects of various loading speeds, different friction coefficients, and normal-to-shear stiffness ratios of the asphalt binder on the mechanical behavior of the asphalt mixture.
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Acknowledgments
This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51308554) and the Guizhou Transportation Science and Technology Foundation (Grant No. 2013-121-013) through the first author. The research is also supported by the Hunan Transportation Science and Technology Foundation (Grant No. 201622).
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30 • Issue 5 • May 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 6, 2017
Accepted: Oct 24, 2017
Published online: Feb 21, 2018
Published in print: May 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Jul 21, 2018
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