Full-scale field testing on a highway composite pavement dynamic responses

A series of full-scale field tests were conducted to observe the composite pavement’s dynamic responses subjected to heavy traffic load. The tire contact pressure beneficially influences the dynamic strains and the dynamic stresses of pavement. A typical “M” shape is observed for the distribution of dynamic responses cross lane. The range of dynamic soil stress on roadbed ranges at 20–50 kPa, and a non-linear model is presented for the dynamic stress attenuation along subgrade depth. Furthermore, the increasing of truck speed decreases the dynamic responses of composite pavement. This is owing to the viscoelastic property of HMA layer and the resonant frequency. At a lower moving speed, the dominant frequency of heavy truck loading is close to the dominant frequency of HMA layer. This would amplify the vibrations of pavements and consequently result in larger mechanical responses. The experimental findings would be helpful to understand the dynamic performance of composite pavement subjected to heavy traffic load.