A fully heterogeneous viscoelastic finite element model for full-scale accelerated pavement testing

This study presents a full-scale fully heterogeneous finite element(FE) pavement model developed from X-Ray computed-tomography images of asphalt concrete(AC) samples. The model was first developed to simulate a laboratory shear test. Second, model parameters determined for the laboratory shear tests were used to develop FE models for full-scale pavement test sections. A virtual strain gauge was also included in the models for calibration. Calibrated models were used to evaluate the strain-displacement distributions for all test sections. Recommendations are also presented for future use of the model developed in this study to investigate important problems in the design of asphalt pavements.  Model predictions were used to evaluate the accuracy of layered elastic theory (LET) models that are used in pavement design today.

 LINK TO SIMPLEWARE CASE STUDY

Micromechanical FE model simulating the effects of dual truck wheel on asphalt concrete pavement -Displacement field. 

 

Micromechanical FE model simulating the effects of dual truck wheel on asphalt concrete pavement -Strain field.

 

Micromechanical FE model simulating the effects of dual truck wheel on asphalt concrete pavement -Displacement vectors at the edge of truck wheel.

 
Published papers:
  1. Coleri, E. and J.T. Harvey (2013). Investigation of Layered Elastic Theory Prediction Accuracy for Asphalt Concrete Pavement Design Using Micromechanical Viscoelastic Finite Element Modeling.  Accepted for publication at the Journal of Materials and Structures - Springer, DOI: 10.1617/s11527-013-0069-6.
  2. Coleri, E. and J.T. Harvey (2013). A Fully Heterogeneous Viscoelastic Finite Element Model for Full-Scale Accelerated Pavement Testing.  Accepted for publication at the Journal of Construction and Building Materials - Elsevier, DOI.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.01.022.