Pavement Crack–Induced Seepage on Nonuniform Vertical Wetting Deformation in Pre-Disintegrated Red Sandstone Embankments

Abstract Due to seepage through pavement cracks, the top surface of the pre-disintegrated red sandstone embankment will undergo nonuniform vertical wetting deformation, thereby increasing the number of pavement cracks. Accurately determining the timing and extent of new pavement cracks poses a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate the impact of seepage through pavement cracks on the nonuniform vertical wetting deformation of pre-disintegrated red sandstone embankments. Using the seepage and stress fields of the embankment under the influence of pavement-crack seepage, as derived from numerical simulations, and integrating them with a predictive model for vertical wetting strain in pre-disintegrated red sandstone, we propose an analytical method for assessing the nonuniform vertical wetting deformation in embankments. The accuracy and applicability of this method are validated through field monitoring data. Subsequently, a parametric analysis is conducted to examine the effects of seepage, crack, and embankment parameters on the nonuniform vertical wetting deformation characteristics of pre-disintegrated red sandstone embankments. The research findings indicate that within the first 0–80 days of pavement crack seepage, the peak strain resulting from nonuniform vertical wetting deformation on the embankment's top surface initially increases and then decreases. This peak value exhibits dynamic fluctuations within a range of 1.21–1.61 m from the pavement crack. Moreover, regions situated at a certain distance from the pavement crack are more prone to developing new cracks compared to those in proximity to the crack. The smaller the saturated permeability coefficient, the later the peak time of the maximum wetting strain on the embankment top surface will be reached. The nonuniform vertical wetting deformation characteristics of the embankment, influenced by pavement crack seepage, exhibit a negative correlation with the saturated permeability coefficient, crack spacing, and degree of compaction, while demonstrating a positive correlation with the crack pressure constant water head and embankment thickness. Additionally, the nonuniform vertical wetting deformation characteristics of the embankment under the influence of multiple-crack seepage are more pronounced compared to those under single-crack seepage conditions. The research findings offer significant guidance for the prevention and control of nonuniform vertical wetting deformation in embankments constructed with pre-disintegrated red sandstone.