Conditions modelling of low-temperature cracks existence in the road upper layer

Abstract

Cracks, including low-temperature cracks, reduce to the greatest extent road surfaces quality, increase the cost their repair. This problem is most relevant in the regions with seasonal soil freezing. The purpose of this study is to develop a model of interaction between the asphalt concrete layer and the underlying layer by means of friction and adhesion forces at a negative temperature, also the analyze the conditions low-temperature cracks formation of in the asphalt concrete layer, in order to reduce the risk of cracking. Methods: as a research tool used numerical methods of structural mechanics. Results: the study found that the distribution of tensile forces in the segment of an asphalt-concrete layer is approximated by a polynomial of the second order with a maximum in the middle of the length of the segment. Shear forces are unevenly distributed along the length of the segment; the intensity of the shear forces is equal to zero in the middle of the length of the segment. The greatest shear strains and stresses are localized near the transverse boundaries of the segment of the layer. A shear deformation can lead to an increase in the crack width. The validity of the numerical simulation results is confirmed by their consistency with the known analytical solution of the same problem.