Accelerated Discrete-Element Modeling of Asphalt-Based Materials with the Frequency-Temperature Superposition Principle

This paper presents a methodology to reduce the computation time for discrete-element (DE) modeling of asphalt-based materials, based on the frequency-temperature superposition principle. Laboratory tests on the dynamic modulus of asphalt sand mastics and asphalt mixtures were conducted at temperatures of -5, 4, 13, and 21°C and frequencies of 1, 5, 10, and 25 Hz, respectively. The test results of the asphalt sand mastics were fitted with the Burger’s model to obtain the microparameters for DE models. To reduce the computation time of the DE modeling, the regular loading frequencies were amplified to virtual frequencies. Simultaneously, the Burger’s model parameters (microparameters in DE models) of asphalt sand mastic at regular frequencies were modified to those at virtual frequencies on the basis of the frequency-temperature superposition principle. Because the virtual frequencies were much larger than the regular frequencies, the computation time was significantly reduced by conducting the DE modeling with the virtual frequencies and the corresponding modified Burger’s model parameters. The modeling work, which typically takes several months or years with the traditional methods, only took a few hours or less in this study.

• Record URL:
  • http://ascelibrary.org/emo/resource/1/jenmdt/v137/i5/p355_s1?isAuthorized=no
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339399
• Authors:
  • Liu, Yu
  • You, Zhanping
• Publication Date: 2011-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 355-365
• Serial:
  • Journal of Engineering Mechanics
  • Volume: 137
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9399
  • EISSN: 1943-7889
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jenmdt

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Discrete element method; Laboratory tests; Mastic asphalt; Pavement performance; Sand; Temperature; Viscoelasticity
• Uncontrolled Terms: Burgers contact model; Computation time; Time temperature superposition
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I33: Other Materials used in Pavement Layers;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01345348
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Jul 21 2011 10:08AM