Investigation on the pore water pressure in steel bridge deck pavement under the coupling effect of water and vehicle load

The water damage is a severe problem existing steel bridge deck pavement (SBDP) and still has not been fully studied. To investigate the pore water pressure of SBDP under the coupling effect of water and vehicle load, some typical permeability characterization parameters are selected firstly. Then, the water permeability simulation model under the most unfavorable vehicle load is established. Next, the spatial distribution of pore water pressure in different area of SBDP is analyzed and compared. Lastly, the process of water flow and pore water pressure changes are discussed. Results show that the simulation results are consistent with the characteristics of water permeability phenomenon during practical vehicle travel. The process of water flow and pore water pressure changes is corresponding to the pumping phenomenon in the engineering practice. This positive and negative cycle of pore water pressure could lead to spalling between asphalt and aggregate, which would accelerate the appearance and development of SBDP distress. This paper clarifies the permeability characteristics and pore water pressure change in SBDP. The findings are important for the design, construction and maintenance of SBDP to mitigate or avoid water damage.