Cohesive zone modeling of EAF slag-included asphalt mixtures in fracture modes I and II

Abstract

Fracture properties of asphalt mixtures containing fine and coarse Electric-Arc Furnace (EAF) aggregates were determined at low-temperature conditions by implementing Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM). Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) test was conducted in both fracture Mode I and II (opening tensile and in-plane shear, respectively), and the bi-linear traction separation law was used to obtain the coefficients of cohesive elements. To determine the fracture failure probability concerning the adopted testing parameters, the two-parameter Weibull distribution curve was fitted on the FEM results. Based on CZM simulation modeling, it was observed that the simulated curves were promisingly consistent with the experimental results. Weibull distribution analysis revealed that the inclusion of fine EAF slag aggregates increases the fracture failure probability compared with those containing coarse aggregates. A statistically predictive model was introduced, based on the Weibull distribution results, to predict the in-plane shear (Mode II) fracture properties using those of Mode I.