Structural design, mechanical response modelling and durability evaluation of prefabricated plastic pavements

International Journal of Pavement Engineering, vol. 26

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical behaviour of an unbound granular base pavement structure incorporating conventional asphalt concrete and prefabricated plastic modules, with the aim of optimising modular structural designs and evaluating their durability. Two dimensions and seven types of cross-sectional profiles were designed, and dynamic finite element modelling with moving vehicle loads was conducted. An elastic‒continuum damage constitutive model was used for the prefabricated plastic module. The critical mechanical responses and damage states were compared to assess the performance improvements resulting from structural optimisation. The results indicate that prefabricated plastic modules exhibit higher stress and strain levels than asphalt concrete. Reducing the module width to 20 cm significantly improves the stress distribution and damage resistance, thereby enhancing the durability. Besides, the incorporation of internal supports effectively mitigates stress concentrations and localises damage around the supports and joints. Finally, the prefabricated plastic modules are unlikely to experience strength failure according to this case study, while fatigue failure could be a major issue without an appropriate structural design. These results provide valuable insights for the future development of modular and prefabricated plastic pavement systems.

Authors 3

1. Haopeng Wang

   University of Liverpool

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Liverpool

2. Hanyu Zhang corresponding

   University of Liverpool · University of Nottingham

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Liverpool

   Nottingham Transportation Engineering Centre (NTEC), University of Nottingham

3. Pengfei Liu Aachen Institute of Highway Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Highway Engineering (ISAC), RWTH Aachen University