Contact mechanics based solution to predict modulus of asphalt materials with high porosities

Asphalt mixtures with high porosities (known as porous asphalt (PA) mixes) are becoming a popular choice among road authorities it provides better skid resistance while also reducing tire-pavement noises. Towards the design and manufacture of PA mix pavement, evaluation mechanical properties mixes is great importance. To predict mixes, micromechanical models have been considered an effective tool. In most research studies, continuum-based models, i.e. Self-consistent model, Mori-Tanaka etc. widely used to stiffness mixtures. However, limitation these that they cannot describe characteristics individual particles thus provide accurate predictions. On other hand, discrete-based model (DBMM) which simulates granular material assembly bonded seems be promising alternative. Limited studies focused on studying utilization applicability this for mixes. Therefore, paper aims propose framework use DBMM evaluate its performance in estimating mix’s stiffness. Based obtained results, both merits limitations were highlighted.