This study utilizes multiscale model to study the macro and microstructural behavior of the pavement materials. Reponses of the asphalt concrete (AC) layer is obtained by linking it with the corresponding microscale representative volume element (RVE) through finite element framework. Several python scripts and user material (UMAT) subroutine are written for ABAQUS to transfer the information between the macro and micro scale models. This enables explicit modeling of the material heterogeneity of the multi-phased AC. Nanoindentation test was used to obtain the material properties of the AC RVE constituents, i.e. viscoelastic properties of the mastic phase and elastic modulus of the aggregate phase. Aggregate-mastic proportions in the RVE were obtained from the morphological image analysis. Traction separation law is used to study the fracture/damage phenomenon in the microscale model. The developed multiscale model is validated against the pavement responses obtained from an instrumented pavement section under the loads from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests and actual class 9 vehicle. From the results, it is observed that multiscale finite element modeling can accurately predict the pavement responses from FWD and class 9 vehicle traveling at operating speed limits.

Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library

This study utilizes multiscale model to study the macro and microstructural behavior of the pavement materials. Reponses of the asphalt concrete (AC) layer is obtained by linking it with the corresponding microscale representative volume element (RVE) through finite element framework. Several python scripts and user material (UMAT) subroutine are written for ABAQUS to transfer the information between the macro and micro scale models. This enables explicit modeling of the material heterogeneity of the multi-phased AC. Nanoindentation test was used to obtain the material properties of the AC RVE constituents, i.e. viscoelastic properties of the mastic phase and elastic modulus of the aggregate phase. Aggregate-mastic proportions in the RVE were obtained from the morphological image analysis. Traction separation law is used to study the fracture/damage phenomenon in the microscale model. The developed multiscale model is validated against the pavement responses obtained from an instrumented pavement section under the loads from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests and actual class 9 vehicle. From the results, it is observed that multiscale finite element modeling can accurately predict the pavement responses from FWD and class 9 vehicle traveling at operating speed limits.

**[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/9780784483503.006)**

Multiscale Modeling of Heterogenous AC

Welcome to the International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference of the Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) of ASCE. This international conference will provide an unrivaled chance to interact and exchange information with worldwide leaders in the fields of highway and airport pavements, as well as airport safety technologies.

This conference will bring together designers, project/construction managers, academics, and contractors from around the world to discuss the state-of-the-art implementation, construction, design, in airfield and highway pavements.

Paper Proceedings: https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483527 | https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483503 | https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483510

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63284d15cb3e8e0012755dd4