Abstract

Abstract

Micromechanical modelling based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been widely used to investigate asphalt behaviour due to its ability to represent an irregular microstructure with variable-sized aggregates, bitumen and voids. The 3D rigid particle models with randomly distributed spherical particles and adopting elastic and/or simple viscoelastic models at the contacts are the standard approach, however, in recent years, a significant research effort is noted to incorporate real particle morphologies in the numerical models. In this study, a previously developed 3D DEM model of asphalt employing a generalised Kelvin contact model formulation for the viscoelastic contacts is further improved with realistic particle shapes representing the coarse aggregates. A digital library of aggregate shapes was created from the X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan of an asphalt specimen, using an adaptive image-processing method to separate the aggregates in the CT images and the Delaunay triangulation method to define the aggregate 3D surface model. Several virtual aggregates with different sizes were selected from the library to represent the coarse aggregate gradation of the modelled 3D DEM asphalt specimen. Each virtual aggregate is discretized with smaller spherical particles and its deformability is taken into account through the inner particle contacts. The numerical asphalt specimens with realistic particle shapes were submitted to uniaxial tension-compression cyclic tests to determine the stiffness properties, and the results were compared with those of the numerical specimens with all constituents represented by single spherical rigid particles. As shown, the proposed methodology greatly enhances the 3D DEM model's ability to simulate the asphalt behaviour.

Abstract

In the discrete element method (DEM), the granular response is affected by the selection of boundary conditions, thereby emphasizing the importance of their careful consideration [1]. Replicating the boundary conditions employed in experiments is crucial to have a quantitative agreement between the response observed in the simulation and laboratory test [2]. In this study, a calibrated and validated DEM model was utilized to perform a series of simulations featuring regular polygons with varying numbers of corners subjected to different boundary conditions. The aim was to examine the combined effect of particle shape and boundary conditions on the mechanical response of granular assemblies. Simulations were performed under three boundary conditions: rigid frictional walls (in which the friction between the particle-wall interface is equal to that between the particle-particle interface), rigid frictionless walls, and periodic boundary conditions (PBC). Interestingly, it was observed that qualitatively, the effect of particle shape on granular response was invariant, irrespective of boundary conditions employed. However, quantitatively, the shear strength of all shapes was significantly affected by boundary settings, with the maximum and minimum strengths exhibited under rigid frictional walls and periodic boundaries, respectively. The magnitude of the decrease in shear strength due to boundary conditions was contingent upon the particle shape, with angular assemblies demonstrating a significant change in strength relative to round assemblies. Angular particles in contact with rigid wall frictional boundaries exhibited lesser rotations, thereby inducing relatively significant shear forces on the walls, particularly those parallel to the shearing direction. On the other hand, round particles in contact with walls rotated to a greater extent, resulting in little or negligible shear forces with the walls. Furthermore, boundary conditions also affected deformation patterns, including the development of shear bands.

Abstract

Granular materials play a crucial role in various geotechnical, mining, and bulk handling applications. Understanding their mechanical properties is essential for optimal use in these industries. Traditional experimental methods like Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and open pile testing have limitations on their repeatability and offer little insight into the contact mechanics. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a powerful tool for investigating and simulating granular material behaviour at the element scale and provides deeper understanding in geometry-material interactions. However, due to computational costs, spherical particles are often preferred, though they may not always capture realistic particle interactions. In the current study, the packing density and the penetration resistance of particle beds with different particle shapes, including sphere, multi-spheres and polyhedrons, are compared using a plate penetration test modelled in DEM. Sensitivity analyses are performed for sliding friction, consolidation pressure, and Particle Size Distribution (PSD). Results indicate that polyhedral shapes show lower penetration resistance compared to spherical and multi-spherical shapes. Sliding friction has the most significant impact on resistance, while consolidation pressure has minimal effect on porosity. The study highlights the importance of particle shape in granular media modelling and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.