Mechanical response of asphalt steel plastic pavement structure based on finite element simulation and scale load test

To promote sustainable road engineering, the focus is on identifying low-carbon, eco-friendly, and durable materials and structures, as conventional options face performance limitations. Hence, within this paper, we introduce a novel pavement structure, referred to as ASP, which comprises an SMA-13 asphalt mixture, a Q345D steel plate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. Initially, we performed a uniaxial compression test to analyze the dynamic mechanical properties and modulus parameters of both the SMA-13 asphalt mixture and ABS plastic. To further investigate the mechanical response of the ASP pavement structure under actual traffic load conditions, we constructed a 1/3-scale model and subjected it to MMLS3 accelerated loading tests to confirm the validity of the established finite element model and verify the performance of the structure. Finally, we developed a full-scale finite element simulation model of the ASP pavement structure and analyzed its mechanical response under loading. The results were then compared to those obtained from typical pavement structures. The results from the MMLS3 accelerated loading test show that both the asphalt and steel plate layers in the ASP pavement structure exhibit similar strain behavior, with consistent peak strains. The strain generated by the underlying structural layer dissipates more quickly in the transverse position, while the steel plate layer and underlying structural layer mainly support the strain generated by the asphalt surface layer. Results from the full-scale finite element simulations indicate that the strain and stress generated between the ASP pavement structure and typical pavement structures are similar. However, the bottom of the steel plate layer in the ASP pavement structure experiences significant three-dimensional and vertical shear stress. In addition, the allowable material value of the bearing layer in the ASP pavement structure, which consists of Q345D steel plate and ABS plastic, is less than 1% compared to the typical pavement structure. This characteristic enables effective transfer and support of the moving vehicle load, highlighting the significant advantages of using steel plate and plastic as pavement materials. To conclude, the ASP pavement's internal structure aligns effectively with real-world conditions, as demonstrated by its load-bearing layer's performance under vehicular loads. This innovative design significantly improves road durability and sustainability, positioning it as a choice for future road construction. These findings provide valuable insights for researching the mechanical response patterns within the ASP pavement's internal structure.