Dynamic strain response characteristics of rubber modified asphalt pavement layer of bridge deck

Objective This study investigates the rutting resistance and dynamic strain response characteristics of rubber modified asphalt pavement layer of bridge deck. It reveals the deformation rules at different positions under dynamic loading. Method First, the deformation time-history curves of bridge deck pavement materials were obtained through laboratory rutting test. The model parameters for upper layer(ARHM-13 asphalt mixture) and lower layer (ARHM-20 asphalt mixture) of bridge deck pavement were determined at various temperatures via fitting analysis. Subsequently, a corrected factor was introduced to develop an improved time-hardening creep model based on finite element analysis on time-hardening creep model and Burgers model. Finally, dynamic strain data between upper and lower layers of bridge deck pavement were collected through laboratory dynamic rutting response test. A three-dimensional finite element model of bridge deck pavement was established, and a user-defined subroutine was compiled for rutting simulation analysis. Result The modified time-hardening creep model demonstrates high accuracy in simulating the deformation behavior of rubber modified asphalt mixtures in various temperature conditions. The dynamic strain response of asphalt mixture is effectively captured by using Abaqus software. The simulation outcomes show strong agreement with the experimentally measured dynamic strain states under cyclic loading across different temperatures. The strain exhibited by composite specimen at 60 ℃ is considerably higher than that at 50 ℃ within the same loading duration. Furthermore, the magnitude of dynamic strain is influenced by the proximity to the roller load. Strains are lower at locations farther from the roller and increase significantly near the loading zone. Conclusion The finite element simulation would effectively be employed to analyze the dynamic strain response and predict the deformation behavior of rubber modified asphalt pavement of bridge deck under vehicular loading, thereby providing theoretical support for determining the optimal timing for preventive maintenance.