Numerical modelling of bubbles formation in the bridge asphalt pavement under gas pressure impact

One of the major issues of concrete bridges pavement design and maintenance is bonding between flexible bituminous layers and the deck. Any bonding failure can lead to the development of local delamination areas, which are formed as a result of the separation of the membrane sheets (insulation) from the concrete deck. This is caused by high pressure of gases accumulated between the layers leading to the formation of gas-filled bubbles. This paper discusses the research carried out in order to better understand this process of distress between pavement, insulation and concrete deck. The main objective of the presented study is the detailed structural modeling under the influence of climatic and mechanical loading. Numerical solution was obtained using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the calculations were performed applying Abaqus system. The ability to determine of the stress and deformation states of the bridge structure pavement opens a new way to better understand the phenomenon and to carry out the optimization of detailed technological solutions. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.