ABAQUS program-based numerical analysis on U-shaped cracking of asphalt pavement

Poor bond between two layers of asphalt pavement is the main cause of slippage failure. U-shaped cracking which often occurring at locations where traffic accelerates and decelerates continually, is the most commonly observed typical problem related to slippage failure between layers. This paper developed a mechanical model of the semi-rigid base asphalt pavement by a finite element program (ABAQUS). The pavement structure mechanical responses under traffic were computed and the regularities of stress distribution of pavement were analyzed. The characteristics of U-shaped cracking disease on asphalt pavement was described. Combined with the mechanical analysis results, the paper revealed the mechanism of the U-shaped cracking. The results show the distribution regularities of horizontal tensile stress and horizontal shear stress at longitudinal direction are coincident with the bottom and bilateral areas of U-shaped cracking, respectively. The bottom cracks of U-shaped cracking are of opening mode reduced by tensile stress, and the bilateral cracks of U-shaped cracking are of shearing mode reduced by shear stress.