Influence on the Stress of Pavement with Crack in Base from Flexible Transition Layer under Dynamic Loading

Abstract

After cracks appear in the semi-rigid base layer, the stress mode of pavement structure transits from infinite continuum to limited size board, and the cracks become stress concentration areas. Based on the practical tire contact pressure and contact area, this paper establishes the C3D8R model by ABAQUS, to calculate and analyse the influence on the base cracks extension from graded gravel transition layer under half-sinusoid load. Analysis shows that the graded gravel has excellent stress dissipation ability. Whether there are cracks in the base, the graded gravel transition layer between asphalt surface layer and semi-rigid base layer could greatly reduce the tensile stresses in the bottom of semi-rigid base and subbase layers, improve the road bearing level, delay and avoid the cracks extension to deep road and prolong the road service life.