Generalized self-consistent scheme for upscaling of viscoelastic properties of highly-filled matrix-inclusion composites – Application in the context of multiscale modeling of bituminous mixtures

Abstract In this paper, a multiscale material model for the prediction of viscous properties of bituminous mixtures is presented. The multiscale model is based on the mix design, i.e., volume fractions of different material phases and the intrinsic viscoelastic material behavior of the latter, making goal-oriented optimization of bituminous mixtures feasible. Previous developments for upscaling of viscoelastic properties of a bitumen/filler-composite (mastic) [Lackner, et al. J Mater Civil Eng 2005; 17 (5): 485–91] and of asphalt [Aigner, et al. J Mater Civil Eng 2009; 21: 771–80] are improved with regards to (i) the employed mode of upscaling, i.e., the way information is transferred from one scale of observation to the next higher scale of observation, and (ii) the underlying micromechanical concept. As regards the latter, the use of the so-called generalized self-consistent scheme, suitable for highly-filled matrix/inclusion-type morphologies, as is the case for asphalt, is proposed. The assessment of the proposed upscaling scheme with respective experimental results indicates the improved suitability of the generalized self-consistent scheme versus the commonly employed (at least for modeling of matrix-inclusion materials) Mori–Tanaka scheme, resulting in a sound representation of test data.

[1]  Qingli Dai,et al.  A comparison of micro-mechanical modeling of asphalt materials using finite elements and doublet mechanics , 2005 .

[2]  Glaucio H. Paulino,et al.  Assessment of Existing Micro-mechanical Models for Asphalt Mastics Considering Viscoelastic Effects , 2008 .

[3]  Su-Seng Pang,et al.  Elastic Modulus Prediction of Asphalt Concrete , 1999 .

[4]  Roman Lackner,et al.  Upscaling of viscoelastic properties of highly-filled composites: Investigation of matrix–inclusion-type morphologies with power-law viscoelastic material response , 2009 .

[5]  Dallas N. Little,et al.  Linear Viscoelastic Analysis of Asphalt Mastics , 2004 .

[6]  R. Roque,et al.  EVALUATION OF EMPIRICAL AND THEORETICAL MODELS TO DETERMINE ASPHALT MIXTURE STIFFNESSES AT LOW TEMPERATURES (WITH DISCUSSION) , 1996 .

[7]  Y. Benveniste,et al.  Revisiting the generalized self-consistent scheme in composites: Clarification of some aspects and a new formulation , 2008 .

[8]  Guoqiang Li,et al.  Analytical modeling and experimental study of tensile strength of asphalt concrete composite at low temperatures , 2003 .

[9]  Roman Lackner,et al.  Is Low-Temperature Creep of Asphalt Mastic Independent of Filler Shape and Mineralogy?—Arguments from Multiscale Analysis , 2005 .

[10]  N. Laws,et al.  Self-consistent estimates for the viscoelastic creep compliances of composite materials , 1978, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

[11]  HU Xia-guang.  Review on asphalt mixture micromechanics analysis , 2005 .

[12]  R. Christensen,et al.  Solutions for effective shear properties in three phase sphere and cylinder models , 1979 .

[13]  Xiang Shu,et al.  Analytical Modeling of Three-Layered HMA Mixtures , 2007 .

[14]  Julien Masson,et al.  Glass transitions and amorphous phases in SBS–bitumen blends , 2005 .

[15]  Ulf Isacsson,et al.  Laboratory study on the low temperature physical hardening of conventional and polymer modified bitumens , 2000 .

[16]  Kumbakonam R. Rajagopal,et al.  On the mechanical behavior of asphalt , 2005 .

[17]  Qingli Dai,et al.  Micromechanical finite element framework for predicting viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixtures , 2008 .

[18]  En-Jui Lee,et al.  Stress analysis in visco-elastic bodies , 1955 .

[19]  K. Tanaka,et al.  Average stress in matrix and average elastic energy of materials with misfitting inclusions , 1973 .

[20]  John B. Metcalf,et al.  Two-Step Approach to Prediction of Asphalt Concrete Modulus from Two-Phase Micromechanical Models , 2005 .

[21]  Roman Lackner,et al.  Multiscale Prediction of Viscoelastic Properties of Asphalt Concrete , 2009 .

[22]  Xiang Shu,et al.  Micromechanics-based dynamic modulus prediction of polymeric asphalt concrete mixtures , 2008 .

[23]  Julien Masson,et al.  Bitumen microstructure by modulated differential scanning calorimetry , 2001 .

[24]  U. Isacsson,et al.  Effect of filler on low temperature physical hardening of bitumen , 1998 .

[25]  Roman Lackner,et al.  Multiscale Modeling as the Basis for Reliable Predictions of the Behaviour of Multi-Composed Materials , 2004 .

[26]  N. Shashidhar,et al.  On using micromechanical models to describe dynamic mechanical behavior of asphalt mastics , 2002 .