Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
This study is carried out to develop the workflow from image acquisition
to numerical simulation for asphalt concrete (AC) microstructure. High
resolution computed tomography (CT) images are acquired and the image quality
is improved using digital image processing (DIP). Non-uniform illumination which
results in inaccurate phase segmentation is corrected by applying an illumination
profile to correct the background and flat-fields in the image. Distance map based
watershed segmentation is used to accurately segment the phases and separate
the aggregates. Quantitative analysis of the microstructure is used to determine
the phase volumetric relationship and aggregates characteristics. The results of
the phase reconstruction and internal structure quantification using this procedure
shows a very high level of reliability.
Numerical simulations are carried out in Two dimensions (2D) and Three dimensions
(3D) on the processed AC microstructure. Finite element analysis (FEM) is
used to capture the strength and deformation mechanisms of the AC microstructure.
The micromechanical behaviour of the AC is investigated when it is considered
as a continuum and when considered as a multi-phase model. The results
show that the size and arrangement of aggregates determines the stress distribution
pattern in the mix.
2013. , p. 100