Use of Discrete Element Method (DEM) to Model Fatigue Cracking of Asphaltic Materials
Professor A.C. Collop (formerly NTEC) - Supervisor
Professor G.R. McDowell (Geomechanics) - Supervisor
J.W. Wu - Research Student
Background
Fatigue cracking is one of the principal failure mechanisms in flexible pavement structures. Unfortunately, asphalt is a complex multi-phase material and the mechanics of damage initiation and growth are not well understood. Most approaches for predicting fatigue cracking rely on empirical models that do not explicitly consider the complex nature of the interaction between aggregate particles separated by thin films of bitumen.
Aims
PF3CD Modelling of compression fatigue test 
The aim of this project was to use Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) to better understand the micromechanics of damage initiation and growth in asphaltic materials. The scope of the project included both numerical modelling and fatigue testing using different specimen geometries. Representative models were developed using DEM which were validated using the experimental data and extended to predict the behaviour of a range of asphalt mixtures.