Abstract:A 3D finite element model of a base disengaging pavement structure was built for dynamic analysis. The effects of disengaging area, gap height and base cracking on deflection basin were analyzed and characteristics of deflection basin for a base disengaging structure were compared with other base damages. According to a correlation analysis, DR4 and AREA4 were proposed as judging index for identification of base disengagement. Based on an assumption of defects dispersion, relationship between disengaging area and equivalent modulus decrease was analyzed and an empirical model in estimating disengaging area was put forward.