Parametric study on cement-based soft-hard-soft (SHS) multi-layer composite pavement against blast load

• An innovative cement-based soft-hard-soft (SHS) multi-layer composite was firstly developed.
• A 3D numerical model for the SHS multi-layer pavement system subjected to blast load was developed.
• Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the blast resistance of the SHS composite.
• A damage pattern chart for SHS pavement design and rapid repair after blast load was proposed.

An innovative cement-based soft-hard-soft (SHS) multi-layer composite has been developed for protective infrastructures. Such composite consists of three layers including asphalt concrete (AC), high strength concrete (HSC), and engineered cementitious composites (ECC). A three dimensional benchmark numerical model for this SHS composite as pavement under blast load was established using LSDYNA and validated by field blast test. Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the influence of a few key parameters including thickness and strength of HSC and ECC layers, interface properties, soil conditions on the blast resistance of the composite. The outcomes of this study also enabled the establishment of a damage pattern chart for protective pavement design and rapid repair after blast load. Efficient methods to further improve the blast resistance of the SHS multi-layer pavement system were also recommended.