AN OPTIMAL DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR MULTILAYER PAVEMENTS

This paper describes a procedure for finding the optimum layer thicknesses of conventional flexible pavements. The pavement is modelled as a multilayer system subjected to the pulsed load equivalent of wheel loading of a circular contact area. The optimization scheme is based on a direct search method that compares predicted responses with specified design criteria in a multistage analysis. The direct search produces a finite set of discrete alternatives which takes into account structural stiffness and flexural fatigue. Those trial sections that satisfy the primary design constraints, and are at the same time economically attractive, are reduced to the optimum layer configuration by referring to an objective function. The objective function includes weighted terms for permanent deformation, fatigue life, and cost of construction materials in place. The set of feasible solutions is determined on the basis of linear elastic theory while the reduced set is evaluated by non-linear analyses. The objective function is not a unique expression as its aim is to find the optimum solution relevant to local or regional requirements. The procedure is illustrated by a design for a four-layer pavement. The design avails of an elaborate set of experimental data for soils and bituminous materials. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Volume I of proceedings of 4th International Conference on Structural Design of Asphalt Pavements, Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 22-26, 1977.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109
• Authors:
  • GLYNN, T E
  • Byrne, J G
  • Kirwan, R W
  • Snaith, M S
• Conference:
  • Volume I of proceedings of 4th International Conference on Structural Design of Asphalt Pavements, Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 22-26, 1977.
• Publication Date: 1977-1

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 370-382

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bituminous materials; Construction; Costs; Deformation; Fatigue (Physiological condition); Flexible pavements; Optimization; Pavement design; Pavement layers; Pavements; Stiffness; Thickness
• Uncontrolled Terms: Construction costs; Pavement thickness
• Subject Areas: Construction; Finance; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00170223
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 14 1978 12:00AM