Analysis of the Dynamic Responses of CRCP and CRCP+AC under the Vehicle Loading by FEM

The composite pavement of CRCP+AC has often been given credit for its combination of high bearing capacity and desired surface feature like typical flexible pavement has. It has full potential to make the most out of the desired features of both rigid and flexible pavements to make a sound pavement system. In this paper, 3D FEM models of CRCP and CRCP+AC were developed respectively by using FEM software named ABAQUS. The vehicle load is simplified to be a moving load and has been realized through a user subroutine VDLOAD. The differences of the dynamic response between CRCP and CRCP+AC under traffic loading were compared. Influencing factors, including AC thickness, base course type, longitudinal reinforcement content and slab thickness, were evaluated to analyze the dynamic stress and displacement of pavements. The results of analysis can provide theoretic basis and reference for the structural design and construction technique of the CRCP and CRCP+AC.