An efficient conditional GAN-based framework for high-resolution prediction of tyre-pavement contact stresses – a contribution towards a digital twin of the road system

Abstract

ABSTRACT The high-resolution prediction of tyre-pavement contact stresses is crucial for advancing pavement design and vehicle safety. A significant knowledge gap exists in accurately and quickly predicting tyre-pavement contact stresses, especially under varying conditions. Addressing this challenge, this study is part of the concerted effort within the project CRC/TRR 339, contributing to the series ‘A Contribution towards a Digital Twin of the Road System’. It aims to bridge this gap by introducing a novel Multimodal Conditional Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (MC-DCGAN) model for forecasting tyre-pavement contact stresses, offering an efficient and accurate method. The incorporation of a multimodal conditional module within the GAN-based framework allows for controllable outputs tailored to specific tyre types, inflation pressures, and loads. Leveraging the DCGAN architecture significantly enhances prediction accuracy. Experimental validation confirms the method’s high accuracy, strong generalisation capabilities, and a substantial reduction in computational time – nearly two orders of magnitude lower compared to traditional Finite Element simulations. This research not only fills a critical void in the high-precision prediction of tyre-pavement contact stresses, but also holds significant implications for optimising pavement design and enhancing road traffic safety, marking a significant step towards realising a digital twin of the road system.