Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To evaluate the feasibility of a virtual overlay tester (OT), a modeling approach was proposed based on the discrete element method (DEM). Simulations were conducted on three types of asphalt mixtures across three different thickness conditions. Through the analysis of the load/displacement curves, crack propagation paths, force chains, and contact force characteristics, it was observed that the peak loads decrease with increasing thicknesses, indicating a notable size effect. The complexity of the crack path was positively correlated with the particle size along the path and the fractal dimension. Coarse aggregates can inhibit crack propagation to some extent. Prior to reaching the peak load, compressive force chains in asphalt concrete-13 (AC13) and large stone porous asphalt mixture-30 (LSPM30) exhibited a symmetrical and divergent distribution along the crack, while tensile force chains formed an arch-like pattern. After the peak load, compressive force chains were symmetrically distributed in an arch shape along the crack. In stone mastic asphalt-13 (SMA13), compressive forces were transmitted along coarse aggregates, forming several continuous vertical paths. The proportion of strong compressive force chains to total compressive force chains across the three gradations ranged from 0.74 to 0.83, while the corresponding proportion for tensile force chains ranged from 0.72 to 0.78.
Source: Coatings
Authors: Jianhui Wei, Xiangyang Fan, Tao Fu
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G2549972176, G3927287565, G6935800534
OpenAlex ID: W4414358666