Discrete element numerical simulation on rutting deformation of asphalt mixture

Discrete element method was used to investigate the rutting depth variation of asphalt mixture under the condition of different aggregate gradation, varying loads and varying temperatures. The results indicate that for either gap gradation or continuous gradation asphalt mixture, when the content of coarse aggregate is the same, the ability to resist rutting deformation of specimens enhances when the maximum nominal size increases, and when the maximum nominal size is the same, the ability of the latter is superior to the former. Rutting depths with different loading sequences are similar. For the same average load, rutting depths are close. When the average temperature is the same, rutting depths are very close when the temperature changes from low to high or from high to low.