Dynamic modulus simulation of the asphalt concrete using the X-ray computed tomography images

The objective of this study is to predict the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixture using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Distinct Element Method (DEM) generated from the X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) images. The 3D internal microstructure of the asphalt mixtures (i.e., spatial distribution of aggregate, sand mastic and air voids) was obtained using the X-ray CT. The X-ray CT images provided exact locations of aggregate, sand mastic and air voids to develop 2D and 3D models. An experimental program was developed with a uniaxial compression test to measure the dynamic modulus of sand mastic and asphalt mixtures at different temperatures and loading frequencies. In the DEM simulation, the mastic dynamic modulus and aggregate elastic modulus were used as input parameters to predict the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus. Three replicates of a 3D DEM and six replicates of a 2D DEM were used in the simulation. The strain response of the asphalt concrete under a compressive load was monitored, and the dynamic modulus was computed. The moduli of the 3D DEM and 2D DEM were then compared with both the experimental measurements results. It was revealed that the 3D discrete element models successfully predicted the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus over a range of temperatures and loading frequencies. It was found that 2D discrete element models under predicted the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus.