Three-dimensional modeling and analysis of the behavior of deformed flexible pavement highways under different temperatures and traffic loads

An asphalt layered structure as a surface coating is one of the usual coating systems used in roads and transportation. This structure consists of a combination of surface asphalt concrete and quality granular materials called base and subbase. Through these layers, the traffic load is transferred to the existing ground below, called the subbase. The system is complex because each layer is made of different types of materials with specific behaviors. The contribution of layers to the overall strength of this structure is also complex and difficult to define. The overall function of the layered system is essentially defined by the combined response of the layers to dynamic loading from traffic. Therefore, the properties of the materials in each layer must be taken into account accurately. When the deformations on the coating are added to this complex structure, the situation will become more difficult to resolve. The crack propagation potential of the coated pavement along with cracks will be key in evaluating the pavement strategy and pavement service life. In this study, the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) in ABAQUS was used as the analysis engine to create the cracked pavement finite model. While applying the method, the deformed road section was analyzed under different axle loads (700 kPa and 900 kPa) and temperatures (0 °C, 15 °C and 30 °C), and the load and deformation changes in the pavement over time were examined under these variables. The results showed that the asphalt mixture and base layer elastic modulus had a small effect on the rutting performance. However, when the temperature was increased from 0°C, 15°C to 30°C, a significant deformation and vertical displacement of the coating layers occurred.