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Simulation Model for Indirect Tensile Test of Asphalt Mixtures via Discrete Elements
Modelo de simulación de ensayos de tracción indirecta en mezclas asfálticas mediante elementos discretos
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/ing.investig.116003Keywords:
Discrete element, indirect tensile strength test, asphalt materials, Brazilian test, road infrastructure (en)método de elementos discretos, ensayo de tracción indirecta, materiales asfálticos, ensayo brasileño, infraestructura vial (es)
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This paper describes the planning, development, programming, and validation of a computational model based on the discrete element method, which was implemented to simulate, considering specific mechanical parameters in two dimensions, the indirect tension on cylindrical specimens of asphalt mixtures. The proposed software was developed in the Visual Basic.Net programming language, aiming to generate source code and an execution environment that is user-friendly and easy to understand while allowing for improvements or adaptations. The indirect tensile strength test of the analyzed asphalt mixtures was approximated based on compression forces and diametral deformation relationships, according to the regulations of the Colombian National Road Institute. As a complement to this project, the computational model was validated, comparing its simulated results against experimental data on manufactured asphalt materials typically used for the road infrastructure of Colombia’s south-west. The simulated values fell within the order of magnitude and trend of the experimental results for the analyzed asphalt material, so it was concluded that the mathematical and computational model can reasonably replicate laboratory data.
Este artículo describe la planificación, el desarrollo, la programación y la validación de un modelo computacional basado en el método de elementos discretos, el cual fue implementado para simular, considerando parámetros mecánicos específicos en dos dimensiones, la tensión indirecta en especímenes cilíndricos de mezclas asfálticas. El software propuesto fue desarrollado en el lenguaje de programación Visual Basic.Net, con el propósito de generar un código fuente y un entorno de ejecución que fueran fáciles de usar y comprender, al tiempo que permitieran mejoras o adaptaciones. La resistencia a la tracción indirecta de las mezclas asfálticas analizadas se aproximó a partir de fuerzas de compresión y relaciones de deformación diametral, de acuerdo con la normativa del Instituto Nacional de Vías de Colombia. Como complemento de este proyecto, se validó el modelo computacional mediante la comparación de sus resultados simulados con datos experimentales de materiales asfálticos fabricados y típicamente empleados en la infraestructura vial del suroccidente colombiano. Los valores simulados se ubicaron dentro del mismo orden de magnitud y la misma tendencia de los resultados experimentales para el material asfáltico analizado, por lo que se concluyó que el modelo matemático y computacional puede replicar razonablemente los datos de laboratorio.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Diego Felipe Guerrero Torres, Lucio Gerardo Cruz Velasco
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