A two-phase sequential differential scheme modeling approach for asphalt mixtures

A sequential two-phase differential scheme micromechanics modeling approach, which is capable of predicting the effective modulus of very highly concentrated particulate composites, has been proposed and is introduced in this paper. Predicted and measured complex modulus (|E^∗|) of typical asphalt mixtures at sub-zero temperatures are presented for the evaluation of the modeling approach. In general, the proposed modeling approach demonstrates a reasonably good match to experimental data without the need for the introduction of phenomenological terms for model calibration as proposed by some authors in the past. Some model error may be attributed to the assumption of a constant Poisson's ratio for the asphalt binder, which can be improved in the future by utilizing measured or predicted binder Poisson's ratio as a function of temperature and frequency.