Simulation of Crack Propagation in Asphalt Concrete Using an Intrinsic Cohesive Zone Model

Abstract

This is a practical paper which consists of investigating fracture behavior in asphalt concrete using an intrinsic cohesive zone model ͑CZM͒. The separation and traction response along the cohesive zone ahead of a crack tip is governed by an exponential cohesive law specifically tailored to describe cracking in asphalt pavement materials by means of softening associated with the cohesive law. Finite-element implementation of the CZM is accomplished by means of a user subroutine using the user element capability of the ABAQUS software, which is verified by simulation of the double cantilever beam test and by comparison to closed-form solutions. The cohesive parameters of finite material strength and cohesive fracture energy are calibrated in conjunction with the single-edge notched beam ͓SE͑B͔͒ test. The CZM is then extended to simulate mixed-mode crack propagation in the SE͑B͒ test. Cohesive elements are inserted over an area to allow cracks to propagate in any direction. It is shown that the simulated crack trajectory compares favorably with that of experimental results.

In-situ X-ray computed tomography characterisation of 3D fracture evolution and image-based numerical homogenisation of concrete

“…For instance, in the last decade XCT has been applied to characterise microstructures and properties of wide range of materials, such as geological materials (rock, soil and fossils) (Carlson, 2006), metals and alloys Marrow et al, 2006;Qian et al, 2008), porous materials (Kerckhofs et al, 2008), composites (Drummond et al, 2005;Sharma 2013), asphalt mixtures (Song et al, 2006), cement (Meyer et al, 2009) and concrete (Garboczi, 2002;Wang et al, 2003;Man and van Mier, 2008;Landis and Bolander, 2009). Many XCT studies acquire the internal structures of intact materials without external loading, or study damaged materials after loading (i.e.…”

Experimental Testing and Finite-Element Modeling to Evaluate the Effects of Aggregate Angularity on Bituminous Mixture Performance

“…Cohesive zone models are well-established tools in classic fracture mechanics developed Fracture properties (cohesive zone parameters of asphalt and asphalt-aggregate interface) to remove stress singularities ahead of crack tips. Recently, the cohesive zone concept has been employed in several studies, most of which attempted to simulate crack-associated fracture damage of asphalt concrete mixtures (Song et al 2006;Kim et al 2007). Among the various cohesive zone models available, the present study used a cohesive zone model developed by Allen and Searcy (2001), because the model can reflect nonlinear viscoelastic damage growth in the asphalt mixtures.…”

Cohesive zone model to predict fracture in bituminous materials and asphaltic pavements: state-of-the-art review

“…Wagoner et al (2005a) concluded in their studies that SE(B) testing is probably the most promising fracture test based on test control, crack front development, test repeatability, and mixed-mode fracture. Song et al (2006b) and used the methodology proposed by Wagoner et al (2005a) to calibrate cohesive fracture parameters used in their FEM and DEM simulations, respectively. The main problems with the use of SE(B) geometry to routinely obtain fracture properties of asphalt mixtures are that the fabrication of specimens in the laboratory becomes impractical, and that it is not often viable to extract beam specimens from mixtures in the field.…”