Micromechanical simulation of porous asphalt mixture compaction using discrete element method (DEM)

• Simulating the micromechanical behavior of asphalt mixes during compaction using DEM. Representing interactions a viscoelastic contact model. The influence temperature on process and compactability. Analyzing internal structure air-void distribution compaction. paper aims to simulate mixtures Discrete Element Method (DEM). between components Porous Asphalt (PA) mixture were represented an Elastic Viscoelastic Contact Model (EVCM), which is user-defined model implemented in EDEM software, developed based linear elastic Burger’s constitutive equations. macroscale parameters mortar characterized nonlinear regression analysis master curves obtained from Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests. verification EVCM successfully indicated that computations trends fall within range expected values for typical material. Further, Superpave Gyratory Compaction (SGC) test was carried out sample scanned X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) capture air void distributions. DEM utilized where digital samples established overall laboratory field simulation results showed provided comparable prediction responses demonstrated capability SGC fabricate representative sample. explored implied decreasing adversely affects compactability dramatically increases demanded efforts are consistent with law viscoelasticity. On contrary, when high, binder becomes too fluid roller loads will simply displace, or “shove” mat rather than compact it. Tracking change voids proportion indicates motion aggregates compound. flowed vertically downwards line compacting orientation while moved horizontally outwards away center. All all, findings confirm concept technically practicable, affording great potential help researchers understand microstructural phases