Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Evaluation of the Response of Perpetual Pavement at Accelerated Pavement Loading Facility: Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Investigation

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology).
This thesis presents the results of the experimental testing program performed at the Accelerated Pavement Load Facility (APLF) of Ohio University on four pavement test sections. The influence of load, temperature, offset, and thickness on the pulse duration and strain at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer is discussed. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed in Abaqus. This numerical model prediction was compared to the results brought by the response model of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The results of the experimental testing showed that the applied load does not affect the longitudinal pulse duration and that the influence of the offset depends on the magnitude of the applied load. Furthermore, the influence of the temperature on the mentioned variable is more significant at a high value (104°F) when it is compared to intermediate (70°F) or low values (40°F). In regards to the thickness, it was seen that the peak longitudinal tensile strain decrease at a higher rate when it passes 14.0 in.; this behavior is more evident at high values of temperature. In addition, it was found that the finite element model captured both: the pulse duration and the longitudinal strain at any value of load and temperature. The MEPDG procedure was able to predict the tensile strain at low and intermediate temperature, but it did not capture the longitudinal pulse duration in any case. In addition, the MEDPG procedure underestimates the peak longitudinal tensile strain under high values of applied load. Finally, it was concluded that the pavement response at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer and at the top of the subgrade are not greatly influenced by the tire-pavement contact stress distribution assumption. However, it was found that in order for the finite element model to capture the effect of the offset, a stress distribution that takes into account the treads of the tire and the nonuniform stress distribution should be used.
Shad Sargand, PhD (Advisor)
148 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hernandez, J. A. (2010). Evaluation of the Response of Perpetual Pavement at Accelerated Pavement Loading Facility: Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Investigation [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1281705838

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hernandez, Jaime. Evaluation of the Response of Perpetual Pavement at Accelerated Pavement Loading Facility: Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Investigation. 2010. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1281705838.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hernandez, Jaime. "Evaluation of the Response of Perpetual Pavement at Accelerated Pavement Loading Facility: Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Investigation." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1281705838

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)