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The numerical modeling of asphalt's mechanical behavior poses significant challenges due to its anisotropic and nonlinear viscoplastic characteristics. This paper presents a thermodynamically consistent multiscale material model based on the Microlayer framework (ML). In contrast to conventional approaches, the ML model dispenses with discrete modeling of the microstructure and instead uses geometric shapes inspired by the real microstructure. This enables analytical determination of microscale unknowns without relying on computationally intensive FE² methods.
The ML models the microstructure using an infinitely rigid aggregate onto which thin, deformable layers are imprinted. Each Microlayer exhibits a unique transient mechanical evolution, resulting in the macroscopic anisotropy of asphalt. A key advantage of this approach is that the macroscopic material response can be described using established isotropic material models [1]. This simplifies the experimental validation of the model.
Classical laboratory tests for the quality assurance of German asphalt roads and optimization techniques are conducted to validate the proposed approach. The results demonstrate excellent agreement between experimental data and model predictions, highlighting the ML framework's ability to precisely and efficiently capture the anisotropic behavior of asphalt. The new model offers considerable potential for practical applications such as pavement structure simulations.
May, M.; Platen, J.; Wollny, I. and Kaliske, M.: Microlayer Framework: Extension to Viscoelastic Material Behaviour for Finite Strains. Proceedings in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 2024.
