Comparison of Different Micromechanical Models for Predicting the Effective Properties of Open Graded Mixes

ZOAB (Zeer Open Asphalt Beton) is the most widely used asphalt mixture in the Netherlands. As a type of open asphalt mixture, it is known to suffer from raveling distress. In order to analyze the propensity of raveling, micromechanical models are considered effective. However, most of the research work about micromechanical models has focused on dense asphalt mixture and the application of these models on ZOAB mixes has not been paid adequate attention. Therefore, in this research study, the performance of various micromechanical models for predicting mechanical properties of ZOAB was evaluated. The predicted results were compared with the measured values from a dynamic uniaxial compression test. The analysis results showed that none of the applied micromechanical models could obtain acceptable predicted results of the dynamic Young’s modulus and phase angle of ZOAB. On one hand, the Dilute model, the Mori-Tanaka model, the generalized self-consistent model and the Lielens’ model provided lower values of dynamic Young’s modulus and higher values of phase angle, whereas, for the self-consistent model, the predicted results of dynamic Young’s modulus were higher, and the values of phase angle were lower. On the other hand, the shapes of the predicted master curves of both dynamic modulus and phase angle of ZOAB could not match well with the experimental results. The further research on the differential scheme method showed that at lower frequencies the predicted mechanical properties of ZOAB mixes by the applied micromechanical models could not be improved even by following this scheme.Pavement Engineerin

Mapping and classifying large deformation from digital imagery: Application to analogue models of lithosphere deformation

Particle image velocimetry (PIV), a method based on image cross-correlation, is widely used for obtaining velocity fields from time-series of images of deforming objects. Rather than instantaneous velocities, we are interested in reconstructing cumulative deformation, and use PIV-derived incremental displacements for this purpose. Our focus is on analogue models of tectonic processes, which can accumulate large deformation. Importantly, PIV provides incremental displacements during analogue model evolution in a spatial reference (Eulerian) frame, without the need for explicit markers in a model. We integrate the displacements in a material reference (Lagrangian) frame, such that displacements can be integrated to track the spatial accumulative deformation field as a function of time. To describe cumulative, finite deformation, various strain tensors have been developed, and we discuss what strain measure best describes large shape changes, as standard infinitesimal strain tensors no longer apply for large deformation. PIV or comparable techniques have become a common method to determine strain in analogue models. However, the qualitative interpretation of observed strain has remained problematic for complex settings. Hence, PIV-derived displacements have not been fully exploited before, as methods to qualitatively characterize cumulative, large strain have been lacking. Notably, in tectonic settings, different types of deformation-extension, shortening, strike-slip-can be superimposed. We demonstrate that when shape changes are described in terms of Hencky strains, a logarithmic strain measure, finite deformation can be qualitatively described based on the relative magnitude of the two principal Hencky strains. Thereby, our method introduces a physically meaningful classification of large 2-D strains. We show that our strain type classification method allows for accurate mapping of tectonic structures in analogue models of lithospheric deformation, and complements visual inspection of fault geometries. Our method can easily discern complex strike-slip shear zones, thrust faults and extensional structures and its evolution in time. Our newly developed software to compute deformation is freely available and can be used to post-process incremental displacements from PIV or similar autocorrelation methods. Pavement Engineerin

The development of a 3D-FEM for the Design of Bridge Surfacings

The life span of surfacings for orthotropic steel deck bridges is often limited.There is no universally accepted method for the design of surfacings. However,some theories to estimate the stresses/strains in the different layers are available.These theories are almost all based on one or both of the following assumptions:1. Linear strain gradient in the asphalt and the steel.2. The gradient of strain through the depth of the asphalt and steel are equal.Measurements disagree with both assumptions. More realistic theories are thusrequired to enable the design of steel deck surfacings. In this paper thedevelopment of such models are discussed. These models agree with themeasurements and as such will help to design surfacing with a longer life span.OLD Road and Railway EngineeringPavement Engineerin

Modelling of membrane bonding response: Part 1 development of an adhesive contact interface element

The adhesive bonding strength of the membrane layers between the asphalt concrete surface layers and the decks of steel bridges has a strong influence on the fatigue life of orthotropic steel deck bridges (OSDBs). The most important requirement for the application of membrane materials to orthotropic steel deck bridges is that the membrane adhesive layer is able to sufficiently bond to its surrounding material layers. The interfacial properties between the membrane and the layers bonded to it have not been extensively studied in the current orthotropic steel deck bridge system. In this paper, details of the contact interface element utilised to model the interfacial bonding properties will be discussed. Furthermore, the traction-separation material law will be chosen to describe the bonding response of the interfacial properties of the membrane to its surrounding surfacing layers on OSDBs. Some numerical examples, in which various aspects of the finite elements response of the contact interface model will be presented. Utilisation of the model in finite element analyses has enabled the investigation of the response of a 3D orthotropic steel deck bridge subjected to the different traffic loading conditions.Pavement EngineeringSanitary Engineerin

Issues in the Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Open Graded Mixes

Within the pavement engineering community, open graded mixes (OGM) are regarded as mixes capable of reducing noise and improving wet skid resistance. However, during their design life, these asphalt mixes are known to suffer from a particular distress type known as raveling. This results in a premature failure of a road network. In order to study the propensity of OGM to raveling, homogenization-based approaches are considered to be accessible and effective. One of the most widely accepted homogenization models for asphalt concrete is proposed by Christensen et al. Several studies related to homogenization techniques have been conducted in the past; however, to the best of the authors’ knowledge not a lot of attention has been paid to the study of OGM by means of homogenization models. The other limitation of the Christensen model is that some parameters are difficult to physically understand. Under the above realization, the objective of the paper is twofold: (1) to propose a modification of the Christensen model for OGM; and (2) to verify the modified model’s capability in predicting the mechanical properties of OGM. In general, it was found that once the proposed factor is calibrated for a given OGM by laboratory tests the obtained results are accurate.Pavement Engineerin

Study of Influence of Operating Parameters on Braking Distance

Stopping distance includes driver thinking distance and braking distance. Braking distance is one of the basic standards for road design and maintenance practices. Adequate tire–pavement skid resistance plays a significant role in reducing braking distance and consequently enhancing road safety. With technology such as the antilock braking system, the friction force is maximized by applying the brakes repeatedly, in an on-and-off pattern, such that the braking distance is shortened. Several studies have shown the effect that some parameters, such as water film thickness, tire inflation pressure, and wheel load, have on braking distance. Less discussed is the effect of slip ratio, temperature, and pavement surface characteristics. Measuring the braking distance in the field is energy-consuming and time-consuming, and there are uncertainties in the environmental conditions as well. General approaches to calculating braking distance are based on basic mechanics principles. To the authors’ knowledge, a model that can simulate the whole braking process is not available. The presented study proposes a way to predict braking distance by means of finite element modeling only. A model that can include the effect of parameters such as temperature, slip ratio, and pavement surface characteristics on the braking distance is introduced.Accepted Author ManuscriptPavement Engineerin

Synthesis of Asphalt Binder Aging and the State of the Art of Antiaging Technologies

“Aging” is the accumulation process of diverse detrimental changes in molecular structures with advancing age. Resistance to aging is termed “durability.” Complex molecular systems such as asphalt binder (AB) need to be protected against aging. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of antiaging technologies used to prohibit or to rejuvenate aged asphaltic materials. The kinetics of molecular structures during aging and the group of molecules that mainly are affected are discussed. The latest developments in antioxidation and rejuvenation technologies are presented, as well as evidence of the impact of antiaging technologies on AB.Pavement Engineerin

Analysis of asphalt mix surface-tread rubber interaction by using finite element method

The surface texture of the pavement plays a very important role in driving the frictional properties at the tire rubber-pavement interface. Particularly, the hysteretic friction due to viscoelastic deformations of rubber depends mainly on the pavement surface texture. In the present paper, the effect of micromechanical pavement surface morphology on rubber block friction was brought in by comparing the friction results for three different asphalt mix morphological surfaces, named stone mastic asphalt (SMA), ultra-thin surfacing (UTS) and porous asphalt (PA). The asphalt surface morphologies of these mixes were captured by using an X-ray tomographer, from which the resulting images micromechanical finite element (FE) meshes for SMA, UTS and PA pavements were developed by means of the SimpleWare software. In the FE model, the rubber and asphalt binder were modeled as viscoelastic (VE) materials and the formulation was given in the large deformation framework. FE simulations were then carried out by using contact algorithm between rubber and the road surface. It was observed that the rubber friction inversely varies with the sliding speed and positively varies with the pressure for all the pavement morphological and stiffness conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that the highly porous pavement surface results in large dissipation of energy, hence, large rubber friction which shows that the mix characteristics of pavements have a significant effect on rubber friction.Pavement Engineerin

A state-of-the-art review of Natural bitumen in pavement: Underlining challenges and the way forward

The demand for alternative bitumen which could fully/partially replace Petroleum sourced bitumen for pavement construction is globally increasing. The increase in demand can be associated with several factors: depletion in crude oil resources, advances in crude oil refining processes, increased demand for highway infrastructure, and regional transportation-environmental policies. Since the production of Petroleum bitumen consumes energy and generates emissions, there is an effort to decrease harmful emissions which has inspired researchers to look for so-called "green alternatives". Natural bitumen could be considered a green alternative as it is a mixture of bitumen and mineral matter present naturally on earth, mainly if the Natural bitumen can be transported easily to the construction site. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art information on pavement construction using Natural bitumen from laboratory and field perspectives. The Physico-chemical properties, rheological properties and field behaviour of asphalts pavements containing Natural bitumen were assessed. Many road authorities would hesitate to utilise Natural bitumen for pavement applications due to a lack of available data, knowledge and a systematic research study. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no comprehensive literature review article on Natural bitumen. Thus, the presented article aims to comprehensively review Natural bitumen resources and their types, Physico-chemical properties, application in pavement constructions, and reported field performances. At the end of the paper, future research challenges, future recommendations and a methodological framework is proposed.Pavement Engineerin

Microstructural Changes in Bitumen at the onset of Damage-healing

Self-healing of bitumen is a property that positively contributes to the sustainability, maintenance requirements and cost effectiveness of asphalt pavements. Ideally one would like to design an asphalt mix with a well-defined healing potential. Although substantial research efforts have been dedicated to the healing mechanism in bitumen, complete understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern the property of healing is still lacking. Here we investigate the manifestation of damage and healing of bitumen at the microstructural level. Three distinct bitumen grades are subjected to mechanical loading conditions, and the damage is investigated at the microstructural level by atomic force microscopy combined with finite element simulations. One of the bituminous phases appears to display visible signs of cracks, which are found to (partly) disappear at moderate temperature changes. Simulations of mechanical loading of experimentally derived finite element meshes are corresponding well with these experimental observations. Moreover, the simulations provide a measure of mechanical response, i.e. stiffness, of the material as a function of strain level. From this it is found that the microstructural cracks lead to diminished structural response properties, whereas after healing these properties are partly recovered. The experimental observations, together with the simulations, support earlier ideas that relate the phenomenon of self-healing in bitumen to their rheological property of thixotropy. Moreover, the work presented hints that the property of self-healing is governed by processes at the microstructural length scale.Pavement Engineerin