Dynamic Pavement Response Analysis under Moving Truck Loads with Random Amplitudes

The objective of this paper is to analyze dynamic responses of asphalt pavements induced by random loads under moving truck wheels due to surface roughness. A full-vehicle model was applied to estimated dynamic loads generated by moving truck. A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element model was developed to evaluate pavement responses under harmonic excitations. The frequency response functions under harmonic loads were compared to the measured and simulated solutions reported in the literature. The convolutional integral method was used to simulate pavement responses under nonstationary loads with random amplitudes. The predicted tensile strains were found in agreement with field measurements at the selected test section in long-term pavement performance (LTPP) database. The results indicate that pavement surface roughness significantly affects the variation of dynamic loads and pavement responses at different locations of pavement section. The pavement response is determined by the interaction between pavement response function at different loading frequencies and the frequency spectra of dynamic loads. The failure potential of pavement can be underestimated if dynamic loading effect is not considered in pavement design and performance prediction.