Viscoelastic micromechanical model for dynamic modulus prediction of asphalt concrete with interface effects

A viscoelastic micromechanical model is presented to predict the dynamic modulus of asphalt concrete (AC) and investigate the effect of imperfect interface between asphalt mastic and aggregates on the overall viscoelastic characteristics of AC. The linear spring layer model is introduced to simulate the interface imperfection. Based on the effective medium theory, the viscoelastic micromechanical model is developed by two equivalence processes. The present prediction is compared with available experimental data to verify the developed framework. It is found that the proposed model has the capability to predict the dynamic modulus of AC. Interface effect on the dynamic modulus of AC is discussed using the developed model. It is shown that the interfacial bonding strength has a significant influence on the global mechanical performance of AC, and that continued improvement in surface functionalization is necessary to realize the full potential of aggregates reinforcement.