Mechanical response of bridge deck pavement structural layer under rubber tyre load

To study the mechanical relationship between vehicles and bridge decks, a bridge model, a rubber tyre model and a bridge deck pavement (BDP) model were constructed based on vehicle–bridge dynamic coupling theory. The rationality of the rubber tyre model was verified, and the rubber tyre and bridge models were coupled. The research results indicate that, regarding the maximum vertical displacement in the middle of spans, first span > second span > third span. For the equivalent stress in the middle of spans, first span > second span > third span. For the transverse stress in the middle of spans, first span < second span < third span. For the longitudinal stress in the middle of spans, second span > third span > first span. With an increase in the depth of the bridge deck, the vertical displacement of the BDP gradually decreased. With an increase in vehicle speed, the vertical displacement in the middle of the bridge span decreased. Therefore, the rubber tyre model using the discrete-element method can accurately simulate vehicle loads.