Application of a viscoelastoplastic continuum damage tensile model to asphalt mixes in Sweden

ABSTRACT The objective of the research presented herein was to apply a viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD) model on three Swedish mixes. The procedure includes the theoretical models and the supporting experimental testing protocols necessary for predicting responses of asphalt mixtures subjected to uniaxial tension loading. The model encompasses the elastic, viscoelastic, plastic and viscoplastic components of asphalt concrete behavior. Addressed are some of the major factors affecting asphalt concrete response, such as rate of loading, loading time, stress/strain amplitude, temperature, and damage. The modeling strategy is based on developing separate models for strain components and then integrating those models to form a viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD) model. The developed model accurately predicts responses up to localization when microcracks start to coalesce and grow. However, once major macrocracks develop and propagate, the currently developed model ceases to predict responses accurately. The model was also used to evaluate and compare fatigue and rutting potential of the mixtures.