Mechanical Response Analysis of Asphalt Pavement Structure with Embedded Sensor

Long-term and real-time monitoring of asphalt pavement can be carried out by using embedded sensors to perceive and predict structural damage during pavement operation period, so as to avoid sustained development of damage. However, the influence of embedded sensors on the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement structure and the structural optimization of sensing elements needs to be further studied. Based on the finite element numerical simulation method, static load model and three-point bending test mode were conducted with three “pavement-sensor” coupling model without sensor, with embedded I-shape sensor, with embedded corrugated-shape sensor. Three simulated conditions were studied comparatively of the sensing element embedding effect on the mechanical response of asphalt pavement structure. Results show that the sensing elements embedded with the two structures have a certain influence on the stress and strain field of asphalt concrete. Within the range of 60–100 mm the asphalt mixture is in a state of tension; the stress values increase with depth and show a maximum tensile stress state at the bottom of the beam. In the compression zone, the strain of the I-shape sensing element embedded is closer to that of the strain without the sensing element embedded. Along the axis of the two sensing elements, the axial strain of the I-shape sensing element is smoother and uniform, which ensures the deformation coordination in the road state. The optimal length L of the sensing element is 14 cm, the diameter φ of the sensor is 10 mm, and the I-beam length GL is 10 cm.