Meandering Support Elements for Asphalt-Concrete Road Bonding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road structures face issues with asphalt displacement and cracking due to inadequate bonding between the concrete base and asphalt cover layers, particularly under thermal and mechanical loads, and existing solutions either require high skill, are expensive, or fail to address multi-directional load pressures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced road structure with a concrete base and asphalt cover, featuring support elements inserted into the concrete base before setting, which project outward to form meandering lines or closed shapes, providing stability against displacement and load-induced deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional road structure with concrete base and asphalt cover is used, then the construction is simple and cost-effective, but the asphalt layer displaces or cracks under thermal and mechanical loads due to inadequate bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are inserted into the concrete base before the asphalt cover is laid, creating a pre-prepared mechanical interlocking system. The elements protrude from the concrete surface to engage with the asphalt layer, establishing bonding strength before thermal and mechanical loads are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements act as intermediary components between the concrete base and asphalt cover layers. These elements provide a mechanical bridge that transfers and distributes loads between the two layers, preventing direct displacement and cracking at the interface.
2Reliability
If existing reinforcement solutions like metal sheets or grid structures are used, then bonding strength is improved, but the cost increases and the field of use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is segmented into discrete support elements distributed throughout the concrete base rather than using a continuous metal sheet or grid. This segmentation allows for simpler construction using conventional concrete pouring techniques while maintaining bonding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements can be made from inexpensive materials such as plastic or lightweight concrete aggregates that are embedded in the concrete base. These elements provide sufficient bonding function without requiring expensive metal reinforcements, making the solution economically viable for widespread road construction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the asphalt layer is made flexible to handle thermal changes, then thermal stress is reduced, but the layer becomes more susceptible to displacement under traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements provide a counteracting mechanical interlocking force that resists the displacement tendency of the flexible asphalt layer under traffic loads. The protruding elements create friction and mechanical engagement that balances the thermal flexibility of the asphalt with load-bearing stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Concrete based reinforced road structure covered by asphalt that comprises a basic layer (1) made of concrete with a substantially horizontal upper surface and placed directly or through a subconstruction on the ground and at least one mould cover layer (2) thereon made of asphalt, and support elements (3) positioned between the basic layer (1) and the cover layer (2), wherein the support elements (3) are inserted in a predetermined depth in the basic layer (1) prior to the setting thereof so that they are partially projecting out of the basic layer (1) in normal direction to the upper surface, and the projecting portion provides protection to the cover layer (2) against being displaced relative to the basic layer (1) under loads to which the road is exposed, and the support elements (3) are flat stripes with walls being substantially normal to the surface of the basic layer (1) and comprising subsequent sections with differing directions to form respective meandering lines.