Title: Investigation of cracked pavement under traffic loading systems using finite element analysis

Authors: Ling Wang; Zhiyun Ni

Addresses: Beijing E-Hualu Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100043, China ' Beijing E-Hualu Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100043, China

Abstract: Road users' endurance, durability, quality, and convenience depend on pavements. To understand its importance, this study examined concrete pavement slab crack behaviour under different loading axes and gaps. It measured crack stress intensity. This study simulated concrete pavement using Abaqus finite element analysis software. Two slabs were put on the base layer to simulate seamy naked concrete pavement. They were connected by slab bars and a compacted foundation bed. Static testing was done in regular and overload positions. Both longitudinal and transverse cracks were used to simulate loading-induced cracks and stresses. Three longitudinal loadings occurred 1m before, after, and on the crack. Finally, multiple models were simulated and examined to study operation modes. Various fracture concrete pavement loading types caused different stress intensities (k₁, k₂, k₃). The crack exhibited the highest stress, and longitudinal distances of loading axes with cracked sites greatly affected stress intensity metrics (k₂). Single-tyre single axles in a longitudinal crack formed the most important k₁ and k₂ stress intensity factors, while double-tyre tridem axles in a transverse crack created k₃. Concrete pavement slabs' linear and elastic properties made overload effects equal to normal loading.

Keywords: concrete pavement; stress intensity factor; finite elements method; FEM; cracked concrete slab; traffic loading.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCC.2024.143845

International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications, 2024 Vol.15 No.4, pp.325 - 348

Received: 11 Dec 2023
Accepted: 02 Aug 2024
Published online: 10 Jan 2025 *

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