Simplified parametric model for analyzing the behavior of stone pavements subjected to horizontal traffic loads

Abstract

Urban stone pavements have always represented the historical and cultural value of a city. They are appreciated thanks to the use of natural materials of different colors, shapes and sizes that are laid in different laying patterns, responding not only to structural requirements but also to ecological and aesthetic needs producing an attractive landscape. Since stone block pavements consist of individual elements with irregular side surfaces that interact with each other, an important parameter that must be considered in the design is their structural resistance to horizontal stresses mainly due to braking, turning and acceleration of vehicles. In this work, the possibility of using a parametric model to study the behavior of pavements made of stone cubes subjected to horizontal loads was analyzed. Each stone element was modeled by a rigid body while the inter-elements and element-ground interactions using specific features that allow to insert a visco-elastic interaction among the bodies and the limits to failure, distinguishing between tension and compression. This model has allowed to analyze, at the same mechanical parameters (stiffness, damping, etc.), the behavior of such pavements subjected to horizontal loads as a function of laying pattern and the dimensions of the stone cubes. From the modeling, it has emerged that both the size of the elements as well as their laying pattern have a relevant influence on the behavior of the stone element pavements subjected to horizontal loads and must therefore be considered in the design.