A Theoretical Study on Structural Response Analysis of Photovoltaic Pavement Based on Finite Element Method

Ruizhi Gong, Xujiao Yang (), Yuhan Chen, Wei Shen and Xiang Lei
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Ruizhi Gong: School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China
Xujiao Yang: School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China
Yuhan Chen: College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Wei Shen: School of Traffic and Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Xiang Lei: School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518055, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-18

Abstract: Amidst the green transition of the energy structure, as a sustainable innovation, photovoltaic pavement technology has garnered significant attention for its ability to utilize road surfaces for clean energy generation. However, roadway infrastructure must meet both load-bearing and safety requirements, making the structural performance analysis of photovoltaic pavements particularly crucial. This study focuses on load-bearing photovoltaic highways and employs finite element simulation to systematically analyze the effects of different surface transparent layer thicknesses and base sidewall thicknesses on the dynamic mechanical response of the photovoltaic pavement structure. The results indicate that increasing the surface transparent layer thicknesses significantly reduces structural deformation, stress, and strain, thereby enhancing overall stiffness and stability. Similarly, increasing the base sidewall thicknesses within a certain range also markedly improves structural performance, although the benefits tend to plateau beyond a specific thickness. Optimizing the structure can significantly enhance the load-bearing capacity and durability of photovoltaic pavements, thereby facilitating the achievement of green transportation and sustainable energy goals, and making a significant contribution to sustainable development.

Keywords: photovoltaic pavement; electric vehicle; sustainable technology; finite element simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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