Experimental and Numerical Micromechanical Modeling of the Viscoelastic Behavior of Asphalt Mastic Containing Limestone Filler.

The volume filling ratio and type of filler significantly influence the rheological and mechanical properties of bituminous composites. This effect can stem from either chemical interactions between the filler and bitumen or simple physical phenomena. Understanding the influence of filler on asphalt mastic performance is crucial for comprehending the behavior of asphalt mixtures. This study employs both experimental and numerical modeling approaches. The rheological properties of asphalt mastic samples made with pure bitumen and limestone filler at various filler contents were determined using frequency sweep tests. The experimental results indicated that increasing the volume filling ratio in asphalt mastic leads to non-linear changes in the values of the complex shear modulus (G*) and phase angle (δ), known as the stiffening phenomenon. Considering the concept of transitional zone between filler and bitumen, a parameter called Effective Volume Filling Ratio (EVFR) was introduced to explain this phenomenon. To predict the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mastic based on the mechanical properties of bitumen and filler, finite element method (FEM) simulations were utilized. The accuracy of these models was evaluated by calculating the relative difference between the experimental complex shear modulus (G*) and the complex shear modulus predicted by the model. Results of this evaluation indicated that incorporating the EVFR into the numerical model can significantly enhance the accuracy of the predictions for viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mastic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]