Multiscale modeling of asphaltic media considering heterogeneity, viscoelasticity, and nonlinear fracture damage

This study presents a multiscale computational model with its verification and validation efforts for predicting damage-dependent mechanical behavior of asphaltic media that are subject to fracture damage. Two length scales (global and local) are two-way coupled in the model framework by linking a homogenized global scale to a heterogeneous local scale representative volume element. Based on the two-way coupled concurrent multi-scaling and the use of the finite element technique incorporated with material viscoelasticity and cohesive zone fracture, the model approach can successfully account for the effect of mixture heterogeneity, material viscoelasticity, and damage accumulation due to cracks in the small scale on the overall performance of larger scale mixtures or structures. Along with the theoretical model formulation, two example problems are shown: one to verify the model and its benefits through comparisons with analytical solutions and single-scale simulation results, and another to validate the model for various cases where material viscoelasticity, mixture heterogeneity, and cohesive zone fracture are involved.