Abstract:To further study the mechanical differences in asphalt pavement design methods between highways and urban roads, by systematically comparing the fundamental distinctions between the two sets of specifications in terms of design theory, control indicators and loading standards, and combined with the finite element numerical simulations and the typical case calculations, the mechanical responses of the same pavement structure under the two specification systems are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the reliability design theory and shear stress control index paying more attention to the rutting resistance and anti-shear failure of the surface layer are introduced into the urban road pavements. In contrast, the highway pavement design based on the elastic layered system theory focuses more on controlling the fatigue performance of the overall structure. The findings also reveal that under the same conditions, the pavement thickness calculated according to highway specifications is approximately 10%~15% thinner than that based on urban road specifications. This kind of difference is particularly significant in heavy-duty traffic environments, which provides a theoretical basis for the selection of specifications in the pavement design of highways in urban areas or interurban municipal roads, and has the important significance to promote the perfection and development of pavement design theory.