Micromechanical modeling of the influence of material properties on moisture-induced damage in asphalt mixtures

This paper presents analysis of the effects of mechanical and physical material properties and loading conditions on the response of asphalt mixtures subjected to moisture diffusion processes. The analysis was conducted by using a finite element micromechanical model which couples the effects of moisture transport and mechanical loading. The maximum total force of resistance offered by the asphalt mixture microstructure model for a simulated displacement controlled load in the presence and absence of moisture was used as an indicator of its susceptibility to moisture damage. The results suggest that the diffusion coefficient of the asphalt matrix and aggregates, as well as the bond strength of the aggregate-matrix interface have the most influence on the moisture susceptibility of the materials. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.