Mechanical behavior of asphalt mixture based on X-ray computed tomography images and random generation of aggregates skeleton

Abstract

The microstructure of an asphalt mix is influenced by the aggregate content, orientation and contacts. In several previous studies, the asphalt concrete is treated as homogeneous material and its microstructures are ignored. However, it has been reported that the deformation and strength of asphalt concrete are not only influenced by volume fraction of its components but also affected by the spatial distribution of its microstructures. Thus, to investigate the mechanical behaviors of asphalt concrete, it is imperative to notice more accurately a micromechanical model containing information of components and microstructures. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the microstructure characteristics on the mechanical behaviour of asphalt mixes. The details of the microstructure are obtained by X-ray computed tomography (CT). A comparison with results issues from digital models of random aggregate generation will be considered. The dynamic modulus of the matrix and elastic properties of aggregates were introduced as input parameters into numerical models qualified by heterogeneous microstructure. Finally, the influence of the microstructure on the mechanical response of material at local level is also highlighted.