Numerical generation and verification of a two-dimensional virtual asphalt mixture

Abstract

This paper aims at finding a robust method to generate a two-dimensional virtual asphalt mixture and to verify the suitability of the generated virtual mixture. First, three methods namely stereological method, Walraven formula and phase separation method are adopted to convert the actual three-dimensional gradation curves into two-dimensional ones. Then, an approach called semi whole scale cross section (SWSCS) method is developed to verify the results obtained and to determine the most robust procedure to follow. Third, the numerical two-dimensional geometry shape data library (GSDL) of different aggregates and voids and a robust method to assemble representative volume elements (RVEs) are developed using Matlab. Finally, a gradation curve from the literature is considered to generate a virtual asphalt mixture specimen, which is then imported in the finite element (FE) software Abaqus to simulate the dynamic modulus test. The virtual test results are further verified using available literature and another homogenization numerical prediction method based on the Mori-Tanaka's approach. The results show that the phase separation method is effective to convert the three-dimensional gradation curve to a two-dimensional one. The simulation results of the virtual asphalt mixture developed in this study turn out to be in good agreement with both previously presented literature data and Mori-Tanaka's theory.