2D Finite Element Analysis to Evaluate the Performance of Geogrid Base Reinforcement in Weak Flexible Pavement Structures

Two dimensional (2-D) axisymmetric finite element analyses (FEA) were conducted on different pavement sections to assess the advantages of reinforcing the base course layer with geogrids and to evaluate the effects of subgrade strength, thickness of the base course layer, and stiffness and location of the geogrid on these sections. The surface permanent deformations of the first 100 load cycles were obtained from the FEA and used to develop regression models that relate the permanent deformation with load cycles for the different pavement sections. The permanent deformation at 2 million load cycles was then determined and selected as a criterion for evaluating the influence of the different variables on the performance of geogrid reinforced pavement sections. The results indicate that for base course layers with thicknesses between 150-254 mm, the optimum location was always at the bottom of the base layer. At this location, the improvements found in weak subgrades were always superior to those found in stiffer ones. In addition, the improvements were reduced as the thickness of the base layer increased and were enhanced as the stiffness of the geogrid layer increased. Multiple regression analyses were also conducted to develop models to predict the Base Course Reduction (BCR) factor in terms of subgrade strength, reinforced base thickness, and geogrid stiffness. Further FEA were conducted to verify the developed regression models. The results showed that the developed regression models yielded good predictions of the BCR values.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/16762797
• Authors:
  • Abu-Farsakh, Murad Yusuf
  • Nazzal, Munir D
  • Mohammad, Louay N
• Publication Date: 2007-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 146-157
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Pavements
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: University of Mississippi, University
  • ISSN: 1676-2797

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Deformation; Finite element method; Flexible pavements; Geogrids; Material reinforcement; Subgrade (Pavements)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Subgrade stability
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01126301
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 13 2009 2:58PM