Multiscale modeling of bituminous mixtures considering material viscoelasticity and cohesive zone fracture

This study presents a multiscale computational model and its potential applications to mechanical behavior predictions of bituminous materials, mixtures, and pavement structures. The multiscale model is based on continuum thermo-mechanics and is implemented using a finite element formulation. 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 (RVE). With the unique multiscaling and the use of the finite element technique, it is possible to take into account the effect of material heterogeneity, inelasticity, and damage accumulation in the small scale on the overall performance of larger scale mixtures or structures. This paper is not to provide any realistic predictions yet but to briefly introduce the model framework and demonstrate the potential applicability of the model in the field of bituminous materials and mixtures through an example simulation of asphalt concrete mixtures.