Three-dimensional heterogeneous fracture simulation of asphalt mixture under uniaxial tension with cohesive crack model

•Model heterogeneous asphalt mixture with aggregate generation and packing algorithm.•Conduct 3D tensile fracture simulations.•Observe microcrack initiation and coalescence and macrocrack gestation.•Evaluate effects of aggregate distribution and fracture parameters on fracture.

A three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous fracture modeling technology is presented to simulate complex crack evolution in quasi-brittle asphalt mixture. In this technology, the random aggregate generation and packing algorithm is employed to create 3D heterogeneous numerical model of asphalt mixture, and the cohesive elements with the tension/shear softening laws are inserted into both the mastic matrix and the aggregate–mastic interfaces as potential cracks. The nucleation and coalescence of microcracks, and inception and propagation of main macrocracks are carefully studied under uniaxial tension and temperature of −10 °C. The effects of the averaged coarse aggregate size and the cohesive fracture parameters on performance of asphalt mixture are also evaluated.