Based on the theory of fracture mechanics

the cracking mechanism and propagation analysis of asphalt pavement with top-down and reflect crack under vertical loads are studied by FEM numerical simulation. The effects of pavement material and structure are further discussed. The influence of the position of top-down crack to the propagation path of reflects crack is analyzed. The propagation behaviors are verified through beam bending test with multi-crack. The numerical results show that under the vertical loads the propagation path of the top-down crack is almost a straight line

which is departed from the load

while the reflect crack is propagated up-toward along a Z-shaped path. The propagation path of crack is influenced by the module and thickness of the pavement components; and the reflect crack is always propagated toward the sides where the top-down crack exists. The experimental results are consistent with the numerical results.