Optimal design of prefabricated base joint for asphalt pavement based on finite element method and field deflection test

With the expansion of urbanization and the increasing demand for rapid construction, prefabricated base structures have been effectively used in shortening the construction time of asphalt pavements. However, the existence of various joints between conventional prefabricated blocks reduces the overall load-bearing capacity of the base structure. To overcome this deficiency, this study proposes to design specific joints between the prefabricated blocks, which could ensure the durability and load-bearing capacity of the prefabricated base. To achieve this goal, the design parameters and evaluation indexes were firstly analyzed based on the finite element method. Secondly, the single factor analysis method was used to preliminarily analyze the influence of the inclination of the lateral surface of the base block, the base material and the joint shape on the evaluation indexes of the prefabricated base, providing data support for the multi-factor analysis. The representative combinations were then selected using an orthogonal experimental design approach. On the basis of range- and variance analysis, the influencing factors were analyzed significantly, and the design scheme of the prefabricated base joint was proposed. Finally, the load-bearing capacity of the prefabricated base structure was calculated and verified using the modified Benkelman beam method. The results indicate that the optimal design scheme of the prefabricated base is achieved when the depth of the transverse groove is 10 mm, the degree of lateral tilt of the base block is 0.25, the modulus of the mortar is 6 GPa, and the width of the joint is 30 mm. In summary, the proposed method can ensure the load-bearing capacity of the prefabricated base during the rapid construction of asphalt pavement.