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Vibratory compaction of bridge deck pavement impacts the structural integrity of bridges to certain degrees. In this study, we analyzed the dynamic response of different types of concrete-beam bridges (continuous beam and simply supported beam) with different cross-sectional designs (T-beam and hollow-slab beam) under vibratory compaction of bridge deck asphalt pavement. The dynamic response patterns of the dynamic deformation and acceleration of bridges under pavement compaction were obtained by performing a series of field experiments and a three-dimensional finite element simulation. Based on the finite element model, the dynamic responses of bridge structures with different spans and cross-sectional designs under different working conditions of vibratory compaction were analyzed. The use of different vibration parameters for different bridge structures was proposed to safeguard their structural safety and reliability.

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Purpose The soil water retention curve (SWRC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (UHC) are crucial indices to assess hydraulic properties of porous media that primarily depend on the particle and pore size distributions. This study aims to present a method based on the discrete element model (DEM) and the typical Arya and Paris model (AP model) to numerically predict SWRC and UHC. Design/methodology/approach First, the DEM (PFC3D software) is used to construct the pore and particle size distributions in porous media. The number of particles is calculated according to the AP model, which can be applied to evaluate the relationship between the suction head and the moisture of porous media. Subsequently, combining critical path analysis (CPA) and fractal theory, the air entry value is applied to calculate the critical pore radius (CPR) and the critical volume fraction (CVF) for evaluating the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Findings This method is validated against the experimental results of 11 soils from the clay loam to the sand, and then the scaling parameter in the AP model and critical volume fraction value for many types of soils are presented for reference; subsequently, the gradation effect on hydraulic property of soils is analyzed. Furthermore, the calculation for unbound graded aggregate (UGA) material as a special case and a theoretical extension are provided. Originality/value The presented study provides an important insight into the relationship between the heterogeneous particle and hydraulic properties by the DEM and sheds light on the directions for future study of a method to investigate the hydraulic properties of porous media.