Numerical investigation into the stiffness anisotropy of asphalt concrete from a microstructural perspective

A micromechanical model was built in this paper to investigate the stiffness anisotropy of asphalt concrete (AC) using the discrete element method. Four three-dimensional cubic AC digital samples with different aggregate particle orientations were built using discrete element software PFC3D. The aggregate gradation and shape, air voids and mastic included in the digital samples were modeled using different contact models, with due consideration of the volumetric fractions of the different phases. Laboratory uniaxial complex modulus test and indirect tensile strength test were conducted to obtain material input parameters for numerical modeling. Simulation of the uniaxial cyclic compressive tests was performed on the four cubic samples loaded in three different directions. Dynamic stiffness in different directions was calculated from the compression stress–strain responses. Results show that the AC stiffness is significantly dependent on preferential orientation of aggregate particles. The AC stiffness in the long-axis direction of aggregate particles is shown to be up to 43% higher than the stiffness in the particle short-axis direction. The stiffness anisotropy of AC decreases as the mixture temperature drops.

Research highlights
► A three-dimensional digital sample of asphalt concrete (AC) was built.
► Simulation of uniaxial cyclic compressive tests was performed on digital samples.
► AC stiffness is significantly dependent on orientation of aggregate particles.
► The stiffness anisotropy of AC decreases as the mixture temperature drops.