Study on Dynamic Response Characteristics of Saturated Asphalt Pavement under Multi-Field Coupling

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Asphalt pavements are susceptible to damage from dynamic loads and temperature fluctuations.
• Understanding the hydro-mechanical and thermal-hydro-mechanical behavior of saturated asphalt is crucial for pavement longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic response of saturated asphalt pavements under moving and temperature loads.
• To analyze the influence of pore-water pressure, effective stress, and temperature on pavement behavior.

Main Methods:

• Developed 3-D finite element models for asphalt pavements.
• Applied porous media theory and Biot theory for hydro-mechanical and thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling.
• Simulated pavement response under varying speeds, loading times, and temperatures.

Main Results:

• Pore-water pressure and effective stress exhibit similar patterns under load.
• Cyclic pore-water pressure is a primary cause of asphalt membrane damage.
• Loading rate and time positively and exponentially affect peak pore-water pressure.
• Temperature loads significantly increase transverse stress, promoting transverse cracking.

Conclusions:

• Pavement damage is linked to pore-water pressure dynamics and temperature effects.
• Finite element modeling provides insights into saturated asphalt pavement response.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical effects in pavement design.