Time-domain expression and mechanical response of the viscoelastic Poisson's ratio in asphalt pavement

Abstract

Poisson's ratio (PR) is a fundamental mechanical parameter for materials. Unlike the constant Elastic Poisson's Ratio (EPR), the Viscoelastic Poisson's Ratio (VEPR) is significantly influenced by external factors such as environmental temperature, stress level, and loading frequency. Using the VEPR to characterize the stress state of asphalt pavements provides a more accurate reflection of their actual service conditions. Moreover, the VEPR plays a more critical role than the EPR in predicting fatigue life, analyzing temperature sensitivity, and optimizing pavement structure design. In this study, the Elastic-Viscoelastic Correspondence Principle (EVCP) and the Zener mechanical model were combined to derive a time-domain expression for the VEPR of asphalt pavement. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors were embedded within various structural layers of an in-service road to collect mechanical response and temperature data under traffic loads. Based on the measured temperature data, Finite Element Models (FEMs) were developed for both the VEPR and EPR conditions. The mechanical responses were validated using these FEMs, and the results were compared with the strain data collected by the FBG sensors. The results indicated that both VEPR and EPR increase most rapidly between 20°C and 35°C, with VEPR resulting in higher transverse and longitudinal strains and stresses than EPR, while vertical strain remained constant. Furthermore, the VEPR was better suited to actual driving conditions, with a peak error of only 3.97 % and an average error of 10.04 %.