Utilizing a particle flow code in 2 dimensional discrete element method of fracture resistance evaluation of hma and brittle rock

Recently researchers and engineers have been in favour of optimized and efficient designs of all different types of structures, by directing their attention to non-destructive testing and most importantly computer simulations. Thus avoiding time consuming testing and understanding the true behavior of materials within structures under different loading setups. One of the newly used computer aided analysis methods employed today is the discrete element method (DEM) embedded in PFC computer software. The main purpose of the DEM modeling conducted for this study was to supplement previous research conducted into the area of hot mix asphalt and rock fracture evaluation. The models created for this study demonstrated that PFC software is a powerful analysis tool that can be adapted to a variety of scientific and engineering applications, and has proved to be a very useful tool for modeling several HMA laboratory tests, and with proper modification it can also be adapted to modeling many other materials.