ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: More and more researches indicate many load-related fatigue cracks initiate at the surface and propagate downward through the surface layer. TDC often occurs in the edge of wheel path. The tradition method can’t explain the mechanism of this cracking. Because the traditional load is the vertical surface load with average tire pressure and is applied at only one position. No effort is made to distinguish between tire type nor to capture the possible effects of changing load position due to wander in wheel paths. In order to discuss the mechanism of TDC, this paper establish a 3D finite element model of semi-rigid pavement structure and use the large finite element software ABAQUS, The analysis result shows that maximum shear stress is appear in the surface of pavement, and located the edge of wheel path. Maximum shear stress is beyond shear strength of asphalt binder. So the researchers think it is the major reason leading to TDC. It’s provide the theory basis on further finding the mechanism of TDC.
