土工布加筋级配碎石基层沥青路面抗裂性能的离散元模拟

Discrete element simulation of crack resistance of asphalt pavement with geotextile reinforced graded gravel base

Abstract: To address reflective cracking in semi-rigid base asphalt pavements, conventional graded gravel transition layers are found to cause anisotropy errors in finite element simulations and be prone to plastic deformation; therefore, this study proposes a geotextile-reinforced graded crushed stone (GRGCS) base structure. A two-dimensional discrete element model (DEM) of five pavement structures was established using MATDEM to simulate shear deformation under jointed and joint-free conditions, combined with full-scale test road monitoring to investigate the GRGCS crack resistance mechanis m. The main results are as follows: (1) the double-layer GRGCS structure optimizes force chain distribution, reducing the base’s maximum tensile strain by 71% and joint stress concentration by 52%, while exhibiting the strongest resistance to shear deformation; (2) full-scale testing verifies that GRGCS delays the initiation of reflective cracks to 180 days (an extension of 150 days compared with semi-rigid bases), with only non-reflective micro-cracks observed during service; (3) the double-geotextile scheme enables meso-scale force chain regulation, providing theoretical support for long-life asphalt pavement design with an anticipated 10-year service life. This study elucidates the GRGCS reflective crack inhibition mechanis m via meso-scale force chain optimization. The double-geotextile scheme provides a reliable theoretical basis for long-life asphalt pavement design.

Fig.2 Distributionof loadloadinglocations

Fig.3 Vertical strain contour diagram of the structural model. (a) A (without pre-sawn joints), (b) A (with pre-sawn joints), (c) B (without pre-sawn joints), (d) B (with pre-sawn joints), (e) C (without pre-sawn joints), (f) C (with pre-sawn joints), (g) D (without pre-sawn joints), (h) D (with pre-sawn joints), (i) E (without pre-sawn joints), and (j) E (with pre-sawn joints)

Fig.7 Horizontal strain variation diagram of the bottom layer of the mid-span surface

Fig.8 Vertical displacement contour of the structural model. (a) A (without pre-sawn joints), (b) A (with pre-sawn joints), (c) B (without pre-sawn joints), (d) B (with pre-sawn joints), (e) C (without pre-sawn joints), (f) C (with pre-sawn joints), (g) D (without pre-sawn joints), (h) D (with pre-sawn joints), (i) E (without pre-sawn joints), and (j) E (with pre-sawn joints)

He L, Cheng F, Yu J, et al. Discrete element simulation of crack resistance of asphalt pavement with geotextile reinforced graded gravel base[J]. AIP Advances, 2026, 16(3).