FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF PAVEMENT DISCONTINUITIES AND DYNAMIC LOAD RESPONSE

Assumption of a linear elastic system under static loading is questionable for structural response analysis of pavement-subgrade systems under dynamic nondestructive testing and moving wheel loads, especially if a deteriorated pavement is under study. Presented are the results of a parametric study using the three-dimensional finite element ABAQUS code; it investigates the effects of pavement discontinuities and dynamic analysis on the surface deflection response of a pavement-subgrade model under a standard falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) load. An optimum three-dimensional pavement subgrade model of an 18.3-m (60-ft) pavement length was established with a fixed boundary at the bottom and roller supports on the sides. ABAQUS static deflections are in good agreement with the static deflections calculated from the traditional elastic layer analysis for an uncracked pavement. The ABAQUS dynamic response using backcalculated nonlinear moduli compares reasonably with the measured FWD deflections on an asphalt pavement site. The ABAQUS special-purpose gap elements are used to simulate longitudinal and transverse cracks in the surface layer. Dynamic deflections are 17% higher for a pavement with longitudinal cracks as compared with an uncracked pavement.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1994/1448/1448-013.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=FINITE+ELEMENT+SIMULATION+OF+PAVEMENT+DISCONTINUITIES+AND+DYNAMIC+LOAD+RESPONSE&author=W.+Uddin&author=D.+Zhang&author=F.+Fernandez&publication_year=1994
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1448, Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Pavement Sections. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Uddin, Waheed
  • Zhang, Dingming
  • Fernandez, Francisco
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 100-106
• Monograph Title: Strength and deformation characteristics of pavement sections
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1448
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Asphalt pavements; Backcalculation; Deflection; Dynamic loads; Falling weight deflectometers; Finite element method; Layer coefficient (Pavements); Mathematical models; Modulus; Pavements; Simulation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Discontinuities; Dynamic response; Layer moduli
• Old TRIS Terms: Pavement deflection; Pavement response
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00674335
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 23 1995 12:00AM