Mechanical Analysis of Vehicle Bumping at Bridge Approach without Slab

Abstract

The objective of this research is to investigate the pavement response of bridge approach without slab under impact load caused by vehicle bumping. The three-dimensional (3D) finite element models (FEM) of bridge approach without slab were developed to simulate the response under impact load. The influence of different parameters (step height, vehicle speed as well as axle load) on the pavement response were investigated. Results indicated that an obvious increase of pavement response was observed with the step height and axle load rising. On the contrary, the rise of vehicle speed led to the decrease of pavement response. In addition, the pavement under impact load exhibited larger response as compared to under static load.