Similarity analysis of rutting test for asphalt pavement based on similarity theory

Generally, the performance of asphalt pavement at high temperature is evaluated by rutting test. However, few researches focusing on the mechanical similarity between the rutting test specimen and the actual asphalt pavement structure has been carried out. As a result, based on Similarity Theory, the mechanical similarity between rutting test specimen and typical asphalt pavement structure through using three-dimensional finite element simulation was analyzed. At first, the similarity parameters were derived based on the Similarity Theory. Then, the loading types, boundary conditions and material parameters of finite element models were listed here. Finally, typical mechanical states in an actual pavement structure and rutting test were compared and analyzed. The result indicates that there are some differences in the distribution of stress and strain field between the two cases due to the different boundary conditions and object sizes studied. However, it can be made up with a proper design to the specimen and loading area in rutting test.