Abstract
The packing conditions of unbound aggregate blends and porous asphalt mixture (PAM) are investigated via comparative studies between mechanistic laboratory measurements versus discrete element method (DEM) algorithmic simulations. Nine aggregate gradations with variations in 2.36–4.75 mm and 6.3–9.5 mm fractions were studied. For PAM, PG-76 binder which is a polymer-modified asphalt was used in the mixture, with compaction by gyratory compactor. Simulation models of unbound aggregate blends and PAMs were built in Particle Flow Code in 3 Dimensions (PFC3D) algorithm simulation. The simulation results were compared with the volumetric measurements of laboratory specimens. The results showed that the proportion of 6.3–9.5 mm fraction does not have notable influence on the aggregate packing structure, while 2.36–4.75 mm size fraction has notable influence. The 2.36–4.75 mm fraction has a tendency to either fill the voids of aggregate packing or affect re-orientation of stone-on-stone interlocking of the coarser fraction. DEM modelling provides a valuable aid to design feasible PAMs with a desired packing condition, which shall be supplemented with limited laboratory verifications.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 118414 |
| Journal | Construction and Building Materials |
| Volume | 246 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 20 2020 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2020 Elsevier Ltd
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- General Materials Science
Keywords
- Aggregate gradation
- Coordination number
- Discrete element method
- Mechanical properties
- Packing structure
- Porosity
- Porous asphalt mixture
- Skeleton strength