Influence of Tire Inclination Angles on Pavement Responses Using 3-D Finite Element Modeling
摘要
Tire inclination angles influence the contact mechanics between vehicle tires and pavements, affecting stress distribution and deformation responses in the pavement layers. Unlike conventional pavement design approaches, which often assume vertical tire loads, real-world conditions frequently involve inclined tires due to vehicle dynamics, vehicle turning movements, and accelerating or braking traffic scenarios. To evaluate these effects, a numerical simulation using the ANSYS finite element method (FEM) was conducted. This three-dimensional (3-D) FEM approach allows for a detailed representation of tire-pavement interactions, including the effects of tire inclination angles and accelerating or braking traffic scenarios. Non-linear subgrade soil, granular base-subbase properties, and viscoelastic properties of the bituminous layer are used to simulate the flexible pavement. The study analyzed inclined wheel loading scenarios with a tire load of 40 kN and a tire pressure of 560 kPa, considering tire inclination angles of 0°, 3°, and 6°. Furthermore, dynamic simulations were carried out to assess stress–strain responses under accelerating and braking conditions. The results establish that inclined wheel loading conditions led to increased contact pressure, shear stress, and vertical strain compared to static loading. Notably, the maximum shear stress was observed during the initial stages of tire braking, identifying intersections with frequent vehicle stops as areas vulnerable to shear deformation and surface rutting.