Numerical simulations are performed to determine if certain geometric configurations are more favorable in reducing stresses that develop in pothole materials and at the interface with the old pavement. This study considers pavement sections containing three different shaped potholes, round, square and diamond. The simulation results are compared with the well-known Williams solution of linear elastic fracture mechanics. The simulation results indicate that circular-shaped potholes minimize stress concentrations near the boundary of the potholes, which could potentially increase the durability of pothole repairs. In addition to the geometric configuration of pothole repair, the study also investigates the effect of bonding on the stress concentration. It is shown that perfect bonding does not necessarily minimize the stresses surrounding a patched pothole. Instead, the bond does need to be sufficiently strong to alleviate stress concentration. It is also found that potholes patched with the same material as the asphalt being repaired show significantly lower maximum stresses than any of the other scenarios modeled, as well as a more uniform stress profile.

CICTP