Three-dimensional strain analysis of asphalt pavement based on vehicle–pavement model of interaction

This study analyzes the 3D (3D) strain on a pavement by using a model of a vehicle with seven degrees of freedom and that of a road in elastic half-space by using the finite element software ANSYS. The results are as follows: The 3D strain on the two wheels along the centerline was significantly influenced by the superposition of the wheel, and the 3D strain under a single wheel was far higher than that along the centerline of two wheels, and represented the most unfavorable position on the road. The vertical strain consisted mainly of compressive strain at different depths, and that at the bottom of the pavement was slightly higher than that on top. The longitudinal and transverse strains were all compressive strains on top of the pavement and tensile strains at the bottom, respectively. The longitudinal and transverse strains both on top and at the bottom of the pavement were similar. The authors then analyzed the influence of the thickness of the pavement, its modulus, and equivalent resilient modulus on the vertical compressive strain, longitudinal tensile strain, and transverse tensile strain in case of a single wheel. Furthermore, a model to predict the 3D strain under the comprehensive effect of the structural parameters of the road was established. It can provide the basis and a reference for the design, construction, fault detection, and maintenance of roads.