Mesoscale simulation of cracking behavior of asphalt mixture considering heterogeneity

To explore the influence of the internal heterogeneity of asphalt mixture on its cracking behavior，the required parameters for the finite element model were obtained through laboratory tests. The aggregates were randomly placed using plug-ins，and cohesion units were inserted at the aggregate-mortar interface and between asphalt mortar units，respectively. Thus，the entire process of crack initiation，propagation，and failure in asphalt mixture was simulated based on the cohesive zone model. The extent to which the physico-mechanical properties of aggregates and the interface adhesion influence the tensile cracking resistance of asphalt mixture was discussed. The research results provide theoretical and data support for the design of asphalt mixture. © 2024 Editorial Board of Jilin University. All rights reserved.