Mixed-Mode Fracturing Characteristics of Asphalt Concrete at Low-Temperature Considering Random Spatial Combinations of Aggregates and Voids

Understanding low-temperature cracking is crucial for ensuring the durability of asphalt pavements. Historical investigations have focused on how individual mesostructures influence the low-temperature fracturing characteristics of asphalt concrete. However, the properties of mesostructures extend beyond their geometric features to encompass the variations in spatial configurations among different mesostructures. Clearly, under identical material conditions, the random arrangement of the mesostructure distribution in asphalt concrete significantly affects its resistance to cracking. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the impact of the stochastic distribution of aggregates and voids on the low-temperature fracture characteristics and crack growth in asphalt concrete across various fracture modes. To investigate this, semicircular bending (SCB) tests and discrete element method (DEM) simulations were conducted to analyze the effects of low-temperature fracture toughness and crack distribution in asphalt concrete. The influences of temperature and fracture modes were also examined.