2-D and 3-D modeling of rutting in asphalt pavements

Permanent deformation or rutting along wheel paths is a major distress in asphalt pavement. Prediction of rutting using numerical models can serve as a useful design tool. Consequently, two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element models were developed in this study using a commercial software, ABAQUS, to predict rutting in asphalt pavements. A visco-plastic (creep) model was used to represent the asphalt materials, while a plasticity model was used for subgrade soils. Simulation of moving loads (trucks) was considered in an approximate manner. The rutting response obtained from 2-D and 3-D models was compared for 100 passes of a single axle load. It was found that when an adequate length is considered in the 3-D idealization, the predictions from both 2-D and 3-D models are quite comparable. To analyze 100 passes in the 3-D model it took nine days on a super computer, while the equivalent 2-D model needed only two hours. A sensitivity study was conducted using a 2-D prototype pavement section including the following factors: truck speed, surface layer thickness, base layer thickness, and subgrade thickness. Results indicate that a pavement is more prone to rutting at low traffic speeds. Also, the extent of rutting is not necessarily controlled by increased pavement thickness. It is demonstrated that a FEM model with appropriate constitutive laws is capable of analyzing the rutting behavior of multi-layered asphalt pavements.

• Authors:
  • Zaman, M M
  • Tarefder, R A
  • Pirabarooban, S
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Highway Pavement Data, Analysis and Mechanistic Design Applications, 2003, Columbus, Ohio, USA
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 175-83
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Highway Pavement Data, Analysis and Mechanistic Design Applications, September 7-10 2003, Columbus, Ohio: volume 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle loads; Bituminous pavements; Creep; Mathematical models; Pavement layers; Rolling contact; Rutting; Speed
• ATRI Terms: Asphalt; Axle load; Creep; Modelling; Pavement layer; Rutting; Speed; Vehicle pavement interaction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01390908
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 5:08AM