摘要: |
Traditionally, elastic layer analysis has been employed in pavement design and evaluation. Three basic assumptions of elastic layer analysis are that static loading, linear elastic materials, and infinite areal extents of layers are each inconsistent with real-world pavement structure. In an effort to resolve the issue, finite element techniques were used in this research. The three-dimensional finite element program ABAQUS (3D-DFEM) was employed to analyze pavements subjected to dynamic loading. Preliminary studies included a sensitivity analysis to formalize various aspects of the finite element model (e.g., mesh size and boundary conditions). Studies were conducted with 3D-DFEM to verify its static and dynamic analysis capabilities. Static results compared favorably with those in a previous study. The 3D-DFEM responses of an in-service flexible pavement were in agreement with measured falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) deflections and those predicted by an elastodynamic solution. Having verified both those capabilities, the model was employed for calculating deflection responses of factorially designed rigid pavement structures. Thicknesses and moduli of pavement layers varied over a wide range. A 9,670-lb FWD load with seven deflection sensors was configured. Statistical equations, one for each sensor position, were derived employing the deflection data base assembled from the factorial experiment. These equations, in turn, were validated by predicting the measured responses of in-service rigid pavements. An important practical application of the equations is to improve the mechanistic interpretation of FWD data in backcalculation routines. The 3D-DFEM with its numerous features simulating real-world conditions eventually could replace elastic layer analysis. |