3D modelling of the hydraulic performance of open-graded asphalt using the DEM and CFD methods

In this study, we propose a modelling approach that combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate the hydraulic performance of three-dimensional (3D) porous asphalt (PA) specimens. Initially, realistic aggregate appearances are captured through the image analysis technique. This information is then transferred to DEM software for the reconstruction of pore structure with distinct aggregate shapes following the real particle size distribution (PSD) as identified by local construction standards. The pore structure, reproduced via DEM, is used as input for CFD simulation to assess the hydraulic performance. To capture the dynamic of water motion simulation, the multiphase model, volume of fluid method (VOF), within CFD is applied to track and predict the interactions between different material phases, and the effect of porous structure to the hydraulic behaviour and performance. Results of numerical simulations indicate that PA samples with higher total porosity (air voids) have better pore connectivity and more effective porosity. For samples with the total porosity of 20%, the difference between the total porosity and the effective porosity was 14.8%; while a much lower difference of 8.3% was found for the higher porosity (25%) specimen. Compared with effective porosity, the reduction in active porosity reaches 58.8% in deeper layers for the sample at 20% total porosity, and only 32.2% for the sample at 25% total porosity. Overall, the results show that there is about a 4.57 times difference in hydraulic performance represented by mass flow rate among PA samples with 5% total porosity difference. •A novel methodology for preparing 3D virtual asphalt samples is proposed.•3D DEM samples can be used to identify the characteristics of internal pores.•The reliability of flow prediction via multi-phase CFD simulation is investigated.•Effective and active porosity significantly contribute to the hydraulic performance.