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.
