Experimental and numerical simulation study on flow behavior of asphalt mixture using smart aggregate

Abstract

A meso-scale mechanical analysis approach, which is essentially based on the use of smart aggregate sensor, was employed to inquire the dynamic responses of smart aggregate in cold recycled asphalt mixtures during gyratory compaction, including as well an investigation over the critical influence factors. The discrete element method (DEM) was further applied to study the interaction behaviors of smart aggregate with the surrounding particles. The laboratory test results showed that smart aggregate is an effective method to monitor the contact force and rotation variation between the aggregates, and the changes in the mechanical and physical properties of the mixtures can be characterized by the monitoring results of smart aggregate. In addition, the results of DEM analyses show that the mixtures with 55% coarse aggregates have higher normal force and lower kinetic energy during gyratory compaction, revealing the influence mechanism of the effect of coarse aggregate content on smart aggregate monitoring results at the meso-scale.