Simulation study on the vibration compaction process of concrete paving

Vibration compaction is the core process for automatic pavers to achieve efficient compaction of materials, and its mechanism involves the complex coupling of particle dynamics and energy transfer. In this paper, a combined simulation of the discrete element method (EDEM) and reaction dynamics (RecurDyn) is adopted, combined with theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and laboratory experiments, to conduct an in-depth study on this process. Based on EDEM, a three-dimensional model of material particles is established to accurately simulate the particle motion trajectory, contact force distribution and stress transfer characteristics under vibration. The influence laws of vibration frequency, vibration area, vibration duration and paving thickness on the compaction effect are systematically analyzed. The results show that within a certain frequency range, the concrete compaction effect is continuously enhanced with the increase of vibration frequency; within a certain period of time, the extension of vibration duration can promote the improvement of compactness, the discharge of air bubbles and the structural stability; under a smaller paving area, the vibration energy transfer is more uniform and the compaction efficiency is higher; the increase of paving thickness will prolong the energy transfer path, intensify energy loss, and easily lead to uneven compactness between the upper and lower layers.