Airport runway rigid pavement dynamic response under multi-state ground operations of different aircraft using virtual prototypes

The dynamic response law of rigid pavement structures under varying aircraft movements was explored in this study. Virtual prototype models of the A320neo, A330−200 and A380−800 were developed using ADAMS/Aircraft software, which simulate scenarios of aircraft landing, turning and braking. A three-dimensional finite element model of rigid pavement, incorporating joint considerations, was subsequently established to analyze the response of the pavement structure under diverse aircraft loads. The findings indicate that the peak value of the landing impact load is generally lower than the maximum static wheel load, excluding rough landings. During aircraft turning, a pronounced partial load phenomenon is observed, with a maximum lateral force coefficient exceeding 0.50. In the braking phase, the longitudinal load may constitute 30−45% of the wheel's maximum static vertical load. Excluding rough landing scenarios, the peak bending tensile stress at the slab's bottom due to landing impact is lower than that under static wheel loading. During aircraft turning, lateral forces significantly amplify the interlayer friction shear stress. The partial load effect leads to a distinctly asymmetric distribution of bending tensile stress at the slab's bottom. Throughout the braking process, longitudinal forces increase both the interlayer friction shear stress and the bottom bending tensile stress.