A Microstructure-Based Modeling Approach to Characterize Asphalt Materials

在项目期间，这项综合研究和教育活动的短期目标包括：1）开发一种基于微观结构的离散元建模方法来表征沥青材料; 2）实施该模型来评估沥青材料的反应和性能，以改进路面结构设计; 3）将拟议的研究活动纳入高中生，K-12教育工作者，本科生和研究生的教育计划，以及; 4）通过出版物、会议和专业发展传播研究成果。长期目标是：1）通过整合所提出的先进建模方法，建立一个沥青材料和虚拟测试的多用户研究和教育中心; 2）通过密歇根州交通部在当地以及广泛的研究合作者和行业合作伙伴将先进技术应用于路面材料。该项目将：1）促进对沥青路面材料和路面结构的理解; 2）增加许多领先机构和行业的研究人员之间的合作; 3）加强对路面基础设施微观力学方面的科学和技术理解; 4）显著降低路面基础设施建设和维护的成本。基于微观结构的离散元模型在沥青材料中的发展和应用将通过将材料行为与路面性能相关联来增强理解。该研究将直接转化为改进的沥青混合料设计和路面厚度设计。这反过来又会节省大量费用。沥青混凝土生命周期成本降低1%，仅美国联邦政府就可节省约5亿美元。活动计划推进沥青路面基础设施材料的发现和理解，同时促进教学，培训和学习，通过具体的活动为K-12学生和教师，本科生和研究生工程和科学专业，和执业工程师。

The short-term goals of this integrated research and education activities within the project period include: 1) development of a microstructure-based discrete element modeling approach to characterize asphalt materials; 2) implementation of the model to evaluate asphalt material response and performance to improve pavement structural design; 3) integration of the proposed research activities into the educational programs for high school students, K-12 educators, and undergraduate and graduate students, and; 4) dissemination of the research results through publications, conferences, and professional development for practicing professionals. The long-term goals are to: 1) establish a multi-user research and education center for asphalt material and virtual testing by integrating the proposed advanced modeling approach, and; 2) implement advanced technologies into pavement materials, locally through the Michigan Department of Transportation, and broadly through research collaborators and industry partners. This project will: 1) advance the understanding of asphalt pavement materials and pavement structures; 2) increase collaboration among researchers at many leading institutions and industries; 3) enhance scientific and technological understanding of micromechanical aspects of pavement infrastructure, and; 4) significantly reduce the cost of pavement infrastructure construction and maintenance. The development and application of the microstructure-based discrete element model in asphalt materials will enhance understanding by correlating material behavior to pavement performance. The research will translate directly into improved asphalt mixture design and pavement thickness design. This in turn should create substantial cost savings. A one-percent decrease in asphalt concrete life-cycle cost would amount to approximately $500 million in U.S. Federal government savings alone. Activities are planned to advance discovery and understanding of asphalt pavement infrastructure materials while promoting teaching, training, and learning through specific activities for K-12 students and teachers, undergraduate and graduate engineering and science majors, and practicing engineers.