Correlation analysis of longitudinal cracks and vertical deformation within asphalt pavement of cold regions

The asphalt pavement longitudinal crack is a common distress in cold regions, resulting from uneven deformation of the subgrade. Analysis of the correlation law between uneven deformation and crack distress is of positive significance for understanding the mechanism of crack initiation, and putting forward treatment measures. In view of the complexity of longitudinal crack inducement and road surface deformation, the grey relational method was used to analyze this relationship. Through long-term monitoring of the vertical deformation data of typical road sections, the vertical deformation law of the pavement surface and its deformation characteristics under the action of temperature field are analyzed. Parameters such as vertical relative deformation, vertical relative deformation rate and vertical differential deformation VDSr were constructed to describe vertical deformation characteristics. Typical distribution characteristics of longitudinal fractures and their length and distribution characteristics are also described. The grey correlation analysis theory was utilized to analyze the relationship between deformation characteristics of sections, cross sections and monitoring points and longitudinal crack characteristics (length and location). The analysis reveals a linear positive correlation or a high correlation between several indicators. This study can provide a deeper understanding of the occurrence and development mechanism of longitudinal cracks in asphalt pavement of cold areas, and give references for the research of road engineering structure, materials and distress prevention.