Investigating the effects of loading, mechanical properties and layers geometry on fatigue life of asphalt pavements

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, fatigue life, crack growth trajectory, and stress intensity factors of top‐down and bottom‐up cracks have been investigated in a multilayered asphalt pavement using numerical method. Finite element models, Paris law, and maximum tangential stress criteria were used to determine the effects of vehicle position, thickness, and stiffness of layers on fatigue life of pavements. The results show that the minimum fatigue life of pavements with top‐down crack occurs when the wheels are symmetrically located relative to the crack plane. On the other side, in pavements with bottom‐up crack, it occurs when the front tire located on top of the crack. Moreover, the result reveals that the top‐down crack grows slower than bottom‐up crack. Also, the surface layer's stiffness has the most effect on fatigue life of pavement.