Finite Element Parametric Study on Rutting Performance of Geosynthetic Reinforced Flexible Pavements

In this paper, finite element (FE) numerical model using ABAQUS software was developed to quantify the benefits of using geosynthetics (mainly geogrids) to reinforce/stabilize pavements according to various parameters that effect the behavior of pavements. In this study, the Critical State Two Surface plasticity model was calibrated, verified and used to simulate the behavior of base course aggregate layer under cyclic loading. FE analysis was then conducted on different flexible pavement sections, and the results of unreinforced and geogrid-reinforced sections were compared. The results of FE analysis demonstrated that the use of geosynthetic reinforcement helps reduce the permanent deformation (rutting) of flexible pavement, decrease the lateral strain within the pavement layers, and reduce the shear strains at the top of the subgrade layer. In addition, geosynthetic reinforcement help spread the vertical stresses on top of subgrade layer, which results in improved lower stress concentration on top of subgrade layer. Better performance was obtained for geosynthetic-reinforced pavements build over reinforcement weak subgrades than stiffer subgrades. The higher the stiffness of geosynthetics, the more reduction of permanent deformation, and lower strains and stresses within the pavement layers.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFS70 Standing Committee on Geosynthetics.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  ,    
• Authors:
  • Alimohammadi, Hossein
  • Abu-Farsakh, Murad
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 98th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2019-1-13 to 2019-1-17
• Date: 2019

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 7p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deformation curve; Finite element method; Flexible pavements; Geogrids; Geosynthetics; Material reinforcement; Parametric analysis; Pavement layers; Repeated loads; Rutting
• Identifier Terms: ABAQUS (Computer program)
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01697287
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 19-05396
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 1 2019 3:50PM