A step towards a multiscale model of frost damage in asphalt mixtures

Damage in the asphalt layers of pavements due to frost action can be a major problem during winter in cold and wet regions. To develop effective prevention measures it is important to understand the damage mechanism inside the material and how it interacts with other damage phenomena. To obtain this understanding, a multiscale model is currently developed in this research project. This paper presents the idea for the multiscale model framework, as well as utilizes a developed micromechanical model to investigate two parameters required for developing the damage envelope needed for the multiscale model: the two types of damage modes (adhesive and cohesive) and the increase of air void volume due to damage. From the results it was concluded that the relation between the two damage modes significantly, and sometimes counterintuitively, affects their combined effect, and that the relation between the air void content and the induced damage is nonlinear.