Structural Optimization of Steel—Epoxy Asphalt Pavement Based on Orthogonal Design and GA—BP Algorithm

Abstract

Fatigue cracks often occur in the deck asphalt pavement of steel bridges at the top of the longitudinal stiffening rib. To prevent this issue, the traditional design strategy of the steel bridge deck asphalt pavement structure was optimized, and a new approach is presented. This optimization technique exploits the strength simulation of the steel—epoxy asphalt pavement structure, and the stress concentration location is subsequently determined. A solid model of stress concentration including sensitive areas is then established. We examined the stress maximum point of the asphalt pavement layer at the top of the longitudinal stiffeners and the stress variation of the asphalt pavement layer at the top of the longitudinal stiffeners. To reduce the stress of the top pavement layer of the longitudinal stiffeners, an optimization method that combines orthogonal experimental design, neural network (BP), and genetic algorithm (GA) is presented. A design strategy for the steel—epoxy asphalt pavement structure and GA—BP optimization method was utilized to optimize the structure of the steel—epoxy asphalt pavement for Sutong Yangzi River Bridge. We confirmed that the presented approach improved fatigue reliability and established the efficacy of the design strategy and optimization method.