Impact of Aggregate Packing on Dynamic Modulus of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures Using Discrete Element Method

Aggregates are the major component of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. The properties of aggregates and the way of aggregate packing have important influence on the performance of HMA mixtures. Because the dynamic modulus is considered as the most important HMA property influencing the field fatigue and rutting performance of a flexible pavement, a study of the impact of aggregate packing on dynamic modulus will provide insight on the HMA mix design and the material performance evaluation. This paper studies the effect of aggregate size distribution and angularity distribution on dynamic modulus using a 3D discrete element method (DEM). Angular particles are generated using an image-based ball-clumping approach. These particles are assigned to the DEM dynamic modulus specimen based on the angularity distributions of the actual experimental specimen. A 3D DEM dynamic modulus model is thus established and calibrated using experimental data. Based on the simulation, it is found that the aggregate packing, influenced by the aggregate particle size distribution and angularity distribution, have important impact on dynamic modulus. In general, aggregates with higher angularity will have higher dynamic modulus. The proportions of particles passing 2.36mm, 4.75mm, and 9.5mm also affect dynamic modulus.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Yu, Huanan
  • Shen, Shihui
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2011-1-23 to 2011-1-27
• Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: DVD
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 17p
• Monograph Title: TRB 90th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Asphalt mixtures; Discrete element method; Dynamic modulus of elasticity; Hot mix asphalt; Mix design; Pavement performance; Rutting
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aggregate packing; Particle size distribution
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01334153
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 11-0957
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 25 2011 10:28AM