Modelling of asphalt mixes based on X-ray computed tomography and random heterogeneous generation. Issue 13 (9th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El Haloui, Yassine; Fakhari Tehrani, Fateh; Absi, Joseph; Courreges, Fabien; El Omari, Mohamed; Allou, Fatima; Petit, Christophe
• Is Part Of: International journal of pavement engineering. Volume 21:Issue 13(2020)
• Page Start: 1626
• Page End: 1637
• Publication Date: 2020-11-09
• Subjects: Hot mix asphalt -- mortar -- X-ray computed tomography images method -- heterogeneous generation method -- dynamic modulus -- global scale -- local scale; Pavements -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Highway engineering -- Periodicals; 625.805
• DOI: 10.1080/10298436.2018.1559316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1029-8436

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper presents numerical investigations into the mechanical behaviour of hot mix asphalt (HMA) through the use of finite element modelling simulations. HMA is a well-known composite medium containing a highly complex microstructure. The X-ray computed tomography images (CTI) method can lead to a numerical model that closely represents the actual internal HMA microstructure. Unfortunately, this technology is not available to most researchers in the field of composite materials. It is therefore preferable to seek other techniques that enable researchers to simulate the actual internal microstructure. The aim of this study is to examine a heterogeneous generation (HG) method capable of generating an artificial microstructure of complex materials, as opposed to the X-ray CTI method. Several numerical HMA models are derived based on both these methods. A comparison of the mechanical behaviour output at the global and local scales from the X-ray CTI and HG digital models shows good agreement, thus indicating that the HG method has proven its effectiveness in reproducing the actual internal HMA microstructure and in predicting the material mechanical properties at these two scales.