Name: JULIA AMARAL RODRIGUES
Type: MSc dissertation
Publication date: 22/08/2018
Advisor:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| JAMILLA EMI SUDO LUTIF TEIXEIRA | Advisor * |
Examining board:
| Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| JAMILLA EMI SUDO LUTIF TEIXEIRA | Advisor * |
| PATRÍCIO JOSÉ MOREIRA PIRES | Internal Examiner * |
Summary: Micromechanical numerical models have become an important tool in the study of asphaltic
pavements given its numerous advantages in comparison to analytical, semi-empirical and/or
completely experimental approaches. Thus, this study presents a framework to predict the
behavior of bituminous composites considering viscoelasticity and fracture resistance based
on nonlinear viscoelastic cohesive zone (NVCZ) model. The NVCZ model is able to predict
the entire fracture process, from crack nucleation, initiation, and propagation in mixture
microstructure. To examine the NVCZ model, two fine aggregate matrix (FAM) mixtures
containing different fillers (hydrated lime and steel slag) were evaluated experimentally and
compared to the numerical results. FAM material linear-viscoelastic properties and fracture
parameters required as input for the numerical modelling were experimentally obtained.
Linear-viscoelastic properties were obtained by performing frequency sweep tests and the
required NVCZ parameters were obtained by an experimental-numerical calibration
procedure using semi-circular bending (SCB) laboratory tests coupled with finite element
numerical simulations. To validate the model, microstructural numerical simulations of the
indirect tensile strength test (IDT) were conducted and compared to experimental results.
Numerical modeling results agree well with laboratory testing results. The results of this
research imply that the NVCZ model is promising to evaluate the cohesive fracture resistance
of different material constituents in bituminous composites with significant savings in
experimental costs and time.
