THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT ANALYSES BASED ON FIELD MODULUS MEASUREMENTS

In accordance with the present development of empirical–mechanistic tools, this paper presents an alternative to traditional analysis methods for flexible pavements using a three-dimensional finite element formulation based on a linear-elastic perfectly–plastic Drucker–Prager model for granular soil layers and a linear-elastic stress–strain law for the asphalt layer. From the sensitivity analysis performed, it was found that variations of ± 4° in the internal friction angle of granular soil layers did not significantly affect the analyzed pavement response. On the other hand, a null dilation angle is conservatively proposed for design purposes. The use of a Light Falling Weight Deflectometer is also proposed as an effective and practical tool for on-site elastic modulus determination of granular soil layers. However, the stiffness value obtained from the tested layer should be corrected when the measured peak deflection and the peak force do not occur at the same time. In addition, some practical observations are given to achieve successful field measurements. The importance of using a 3D FE analysis to predict the maximum tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer (related to pavement fatigue) and the maximum vertical compressive strain transmitted to the top of the granular soil layers (related to rutting) is also shown.