Abstract
Cracks are one of the main problems that plague road workers. A correct understanding of the internal crack propagation mechanism of asphalt pavement will help road workers evaluate the road’s working status more comprehensively and make more reasonable decisions in design, construction, and maintenance work. This paper established a three-dimensional asphalt pavement layered model using the software ABAQUS and fracture mechanics theory and the extended finite element method were used to explore the mechanical response of the pavement base layer’s preset reflective cracks. This paper investigated the influence of the modulus of each layer, vehicle load on the principal stress, shear stress, J-integral, and two stress intensity factors (K1, K2) during the predetermined crack propagation process of the pavement base layer, and the entropy method was used to analyze the above-mentioned mechanical response. The results show that the main factor affecting the propagation of reflective cracks on asphalt pavements is the modulus of the bottom surface layer. However, from a modeling perspective, the effect of increasing load on crack growth is obvious. Therefore, in terms of technical feasibility, the prevention of reflective cracks should still be achieved by controlling the driving load and prohibiting overloading.
Highlights
Cracking is a challenging topic which the researchers face
Paris established the approximate equation of crack growth rate under repeated load [2]
The results show that the cracking performance of the orthogonal layered pavement is largely affected by the initial shape and location of the cracks
Summary
Cracking is a challenging topic which the researchers face. Insufficient and improper treatment of cracks often negatively impacts the pavement structure and its performance. Traditional fatigue methods explain the initiation and growth of cracks [1], but this only provides a rough approach that performs poorly while calculating longitudinal cracks. To solve this kind of problem, fracture mechanism theories were established. Paris established the approximate equation of crack growth rate under repeated load [2] Majidzadeh expanded this theory, and normal forms of crack growth were obtained [3]. A life-related index was established based on engineering data, including traffic load, environment conditions, and embankment conditions [4] Conditions included by this index are limited, and it will take a long time to perform road surveys, which can be inconvenient
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