Numerical simulation of differential settlement resistance for reinforced joint between new and existing pavement with road mesh steel wire mesh

Abstract

In order to analyze the ability of longitudinal cracking resistance due to differential settlement between new and existing subgrade in the joint between new and existing pavement reinforced by RoadMesh steel wire mesh, and relying on the existing road widening project, three kinds of layer location reinforcement schemes were selected, which are between surface layers (Scheme I), between surface layer and base (Scheme II) as well as between base and subbase (Scheme III). The maximum void value of 10 mm due to differential settlement was set on the surface of new subgrade under the outer edge of new shoulder. The three-dimensional finite element numerical models were established to carry out the comparative analysis of mechanical responses of widening asphalt pavement structure for different reinforced layer locations. The results show that the peak value of maximum tensile stress and the deflection value of doublewheel gap center in pavement surface can be used as the main control indexes for differential settlement resistance. All the orders of simulation results of the two indexes under each scheme are Scheme I < Scheme II < Scheme III < Unreinforced. The simulation results of the two indexes in Scheme I are 53.4% and 60.6% lower than those of the unreinforced scheme respectively. It indicates that the joint between new and existing pavement reinforced by the RoadMesh can effectively improve the differential settlement resistance of widening asphalt pavement structure. The closer the reinforced layer location is to the pavement surface, the more significant the reinforcement effect is, so the optimum reinforcement layer location is between surface layers.