3D-FE SIMULATIONS AND VALIDATION OF FWD MODULUS VALUES BACKCALCULATED FOR ASPHALT HIGHWAYS AND SUBGRADE SECTIONS

This paper presents an overview of three dimensional-finite element (3D-FE) modeling and simulations of asphalt and subgrade sections conducted recently at the University of Mississippi. The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), a nondestructive in situ testing method, and Automated Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), a destructive in situ testing method, were used to evaluate in situ Youngs modulus values of pavement materials, on the SS131 study, funded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). The FWD deflection basins measured by recording the dynamic deflections on US Highway 45 pavement sections, are analyzed using the multilayered static linear elastic theory incorporated in the Pavement Evaluation Based on Dynamic Deflections (PEDD) backcalculated program to obtain in situ Young's modulus of pavement layers and subgrade. Computer simulation models of selected subgrade and asphalt pavements are developed using the LS-DYNA pre-processor, analysis, and post-processor software. Measured FWD deflections are compared with dynamic deflections by conducting structural response analysis of the 3D-FE pavement model. The backcalculated modulus values for asphalt and subgrade sections are validated using 3D-FE pavement models subjected to measured FWD dynamic load pulses. Results of this study further support the accuracy of in situ pavement modulus values backcalculated by the UMPED and PEDD programs (for asphalt pavements) and reasonable subgrade modulus values backcalculated by the FWDSOIL program (for subbase and subgrade sections).

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available on CD-ROM.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Center for Asphalt Technology

  Auburn University, 277 Technology Parkway
  Auburn, AL  United States  36830
• Authors:
  • Uddin, Waheed
  • Chen, Xiaohong
  • Yiqin, L
  • Garza, Sergio
• Conference:
  • Second International Symposium on Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Pavements and Technological Control. Segundo Simposio Sobre Manutencao e Rehabilitacao de Pavimentos e Controle Technologico
  • Location: Auburn, Alabama
  • Date: 2001-7-29 to 2001-8-1
• Publication Date: 2004-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Backcalculation; Cone penetrometers; Falling weight deflectometers; Finite element method; Pavement components; Pavement performance; Paving materials; Simulation; State departments of transportation; Subbase (Pavements); Subgrade (Pavements); Validation; Young's modulus
• Identifier Terms: Mississippi Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00973966
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 01-058
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 19 2004 12:00AM