Comparative Study of 2D and 3D Micromechanical Discrete Element Modeling of Indirect Tensile Tests for Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

Based on imaging and the discrete element method (DEM), this study mainly aims to compare the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) micromechanical modeling of the indirect tensile (IDT) tests for asphalt mixtures. The 2D and 3D microstructure-based discrete element models for the IDT test were established by a discrete element program. The strengths and stresses at low temperatures were simulated based on these models. The obtained results were compared and verified by an actual IDT test. The effects of stiffness and bond strength on the 3D simulation were also analyzed. Results show that the 3D discrete element simulation results are more stable and more reliable than the 2D discrete element simulation results. The model parameters influence the 3D discrete element simulation results, and different model parameters influence the strength and stress with respect to the IDT test at low temperatures to different extents.