A Microstructure-Based Modeling Approach to Characterize Asphalt Materials

项目期间这项综合研究和教育活动的短期目标包括：1)开发基于微观结构的离散元素建模方法来表征沥青材料；2)实施该模型以评估沥青材料的响应和性能，以改进路面结构设计；3)将拟议的研究活动整合到针对高中生、K-12教育工作者、本科生和研究生的教育计划中；以及4)通过出版物、会议和面向实践专业人员的专业发展来传播研究成果。长期目标是：1)通过整合拟议的高级建模方法，建立一个沥青材料和虚拟测试的多用户研究和教育中心；以及2)通过密歇根交通部在当地以及广泛地通过研究合作者和行业合作伙伴，将先进技术应用到路面材料中。该项目将：1)增进对沥青路面材料和路面结构的了解；2)加强许多领先机构和行业的研究人员之间的合作；3)提高对路面基础设施微观力学方面的科学技术理解；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单元模型在沥青材料中的发展和应用，将材料性能与路面使用性能联系起来，将加深对材料性能的理解。这项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。这反过来应该会创造大量的成本节约。沥青混凝土生命周期成本每降低1%，仅美国联邦政府节省的资金就约为5亿美元。计划开展活动，以促进对沥青路面基础设施材料的发现和了解，同时通过面向K-12学生和教师、工程和科学专业本科生和研究生以及实习工程师的具体活动，促进教学、培训和学习。

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.