Evaluation Method of Fatigue Life for Asphalt Pavement on the Steel Bridge Deck Based on the Inhomogeneous Poisson Stochastic Process

Abstract

The paving layer on the steel box girder bridge deck is widely used when constructing pavements for steel bridges. Owing to the orthotropic feature of steel decks, a transverse clapboard and rib can lead to a concentration of stress. Consequently, fatigue cracks are often identified in asphalt concrete pavement layers due to re-compaction caused by heavy vehicles. This study aims to derive an evaluation method of fatigue life for asphalt pavement based on the inhomogeneous Poisson stochastic process in view of the highly random and uncertain working conditions of layered composite structures. According to the inhomogeneous Poisson stochastic process, along with Miner’s fatigue damage accumulation theory and the linear elastic fracture mechanics theory, the fatigue life formula could be deduced. Meanwhile, fatigue experiments for asphalt concrete are designed to investigate the correlation between the theoretical formula and the actual fatigue damage life of the material. Compared with the test, the accuracy error is within 10%, which is better than other traditional methods. Therefore, the fatigue life prediction model could better reflect the loading order effect and the interaction between loads, providing a new path for the fatigue reliability design of steel bridge deck asphalt pavement.