Validation of a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model for predicting response and performance of granular pavements with thin bituminous surfaces under heavy vehicles

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Title: Validation of a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model for predicting response and performance of granular pavements with thin bituminous surfaces under heavy vehicles
Author(s): Vuong, Binh T.
Abstract: Nonlinear finite element (FE) pavement models were developed for predicting the response and deformation of granular pavements with thin bituminous surfaces to a wider range of loadings under heavy vehicles. For granular materials, the treatments for nonlinear stress-strain response (stress-dependent characteristics) under repeated loadings required the inclusion of both initial and failure stress conditions to produce more realistic solutions. A field trial of pavement response-to-load testing using actualheavy vehicles having single, tandem, tri and quad axles was carried out to determine field surface and subsurface deflection data for the validation of the FE response-prediction model. A field trial of accelerated pavement testing at the Australian Accelerated Loading Facility was also carried out to determine field deformation data for the validation of the deformation-prediction model. Laboratory testing was conducted on the materials used in these field trials to determine material inputs for the FE analyses. It was found that the FE-predicted pavement deflections and deformations are in agreement with field measurements.
Publication type: Journal article
Source: Road and Transport Research, Vol. 17, no. 1 (Mar 2008), pp. 3-31
Publication year: 2008
FOR Code(s): 0905 Civil Engineering
Keyword(s): Accelerated loading facility; ALF; Deflection data; Deformation; FE; Field measurements; Finite difference method; Finite element method; Forecasting; Heavy vehicles; Iron; Load testing; Materials testing; Nonlinear finite elements; Nonlinear programming; Nonlinear stress-strain response; Pavement testing; Roads; Streets; Stresses; Surface properties
Publisher: ARRB Group
ISSN: 1037-5783
Publisher URL: http://www.arrb.com.au/Information-services/Publications/Road-Transport-Research-Journal-information.aspx
Peer reviewed