Statistical Comparison of Mechanistic-Empirical Models for Predicting Fatigue Life of Cement-Treated Base Layers over Weak Subgrades

The purpose of this research was to identify mechanistic-empirical models published in the literature for prediction of fatigue cracking in cement-treated base (CTB) layers, identify specific pavement parameters to which each model is sensitive, and identify models that predict consistently higher or lower values than others in a parametric study involving 90 different combinations of asphalt thickness, CTB thickness and modulus, and subgrade modulus; low subgrade modulus values representing thaw-weakened conditions were specified. Four models were identified for evaluation: 1) American Coal Ash Association, 2) Australian, 3) South African, and 4) Uzan. Computer software was utilized to calculate the critical stresses and strains needed to determine CTB fatigue life, and statistical procedures were employed to analyze the data. Within the ranges of values investigated in this study, the Australian and Uzan models are most sensitive to the evaluated factors, while the American Coal Ash Association and South African models are least sensitive. In addition, the data clearly indicate that the Uzan model most frequently predicts the highest values of CTB fatigue life, while the South African model most frequently predicts the lowest values. Field performance data are needed for evaluating the accuracy of these models, the results of which vary widely for the studied conditions.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 407-416
  • Monograph Title: Cold Regions Engineering 2009. Cold Regions Impact on Research, Design and Construction

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01144366
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9780784410721
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 17 2009 2:58PM