Influence of bonding conditions on flexible base asphalt pavement under non-uniform vertical loads

ABSTRACT

In this study, considering the non-uniform action of actual wheel loads, the influence of bonding conditions at the surface layer/base and base/subbase interfaces on the structure of flexible base asphalt pavement was investigated. The mechanical response under two extreme bonding conditions – one with full slip and the other with complete continuity – was calculated by using the three-dimensional finite element software EverStressFE. Moreover, the dynamic evolution of the life of the pavement structure under different bonding conditions was comprehensively explored. The results show that the bonding conditions had different effects on pavement surface deflection, shear strain, flexural-tensile strain, and maximum vertical compressive strain at the top of the subgrade. The life of the pavement structure controlled by fatigue cracking and permanent deformation decreased non-linearly with the gradual deterioration of bonding conditions. The main mode of damages to the pavement structure alternated between permanent deformation and fatigue cracking, thereby increasing the difficulty of design, construction, and maintenance. Compared with the non-uniform action of wheel loads, the bonding conditions had a larger and independent impact on the structure of flexible base asphalt pavements.

KEYWORDS:

• Flexible base asphalt pavement
• non-uniform wheel load
• bonding condition
• pavement structure life
• finite element method

Acknowledgements

The research was supported by Sichuan Science and Technology Program under Grant (No. 2019YFS0492), National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant (No.51378440) and Key Laboratories Open Engineering Practice Program to Undergraduates of SWJTU [grant number ZD201918028].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research was supported by Sichuan Science and Technology Program under [grant number 2019YFS0492], National Natural Science Foundation of China under [grant number 51378440) and Key Laboratories Open Engineering Practice Program to Undergraduates of SWJTU [grant number ZD201918028].