An FEM-predictive tool for simulating the cooling characteristics of freshly paved asphalt concrete layers

Abstract

Accurate simulation of the cooling characteristics of newly paved asphalt concrete (AC) layers is of particular significance due to its potential use in efficient planning and scheduling of paving works. This study builds on principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer to develop a finite element framework that simulates the actual cooling of newly paved AC layers. For a given set of climatic conditions, such as wind, solar flux and air temperature, the presented model incorporates the effects of conduction, convection and radiation to predict the cooling rates of the pavement. The model is first validated using data acquired from laboratory and field set-ups. Then, the model is used to assess the effect of critical parameters such as layer thickness, time of paving, and material properties on asphalt cooling rates and their impact on paving operations.

Keywords::

• finite element method
• asphalt concrete
• heat transfer
• thermal properties
• pavement rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The technical support provided by Mr Helmi El-Khatib and the staff of the pavement and materials lab at AUB is appreciated.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (LNCSR), the Munib and Angela Masri Institute of Energy and Natural Resources, and the University Research Board (URB) at the American University of Beirut for funding this research.