Multiscale Micromechanical Lattice Modeling of Cracking in Asphalt Concrete

Abstract

A multiscale micromechanical lattice modeling technique is proposed from amongst several computational methods for predicting the performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) under service loads. Although the lattice model has shown promise, many important details need to be addressed to ensure realistic predictions. This paper presents enhancements to the original model that have been developed over the past two years. These revisions are geared towards capturing the material behavior more accurately and efficiently than was possible with the original lattice model. Among the new enhancements that are presented in this paper are the incorporation of viscoelastic fracture with the help of the work potential-based viscoelastic continuum damage model, computationally efficient simulations under a large number of load cycles, and the incorporation of air voids to capture the reduction in stiffness and strength of the material. Efficiency of the model is improved further by incorporating novel algorithms.