Computer Simulation of Particle Packing In Bituminous Concrete

Although computer simulation methods have been used extensively in modeling the microstructure of Portland cement concrete, their application for studying asphalt concrete is relatively new. In this chapter, the nature and distribution of inter-particle contacts in computer-simulated compacts with a wide particle size range such as those found in asphalt pavements are discussed. The aggregates were modeled as hard spheres and some typical aggregate gradations used in AC were packed using a computer program. The application of particle packing simulation concepts discussed in this chapter to the study of aggregate structure in asphalt pavements, in conjunction with the recent advances in nondestructive imaging techniques and DEM simulations have tremendous potential to help us to develop a deeper understanding of the aggregate structure in asphalt concrete, develop and optimize the various parameters that describe the aggregate structure and relate them to the performance of pavements in a scientific way.