Finite element modeling and analysis of accelerated pavement testing devices and rutting phenomenon

Jianfeng Hua, Purdue University

Abstract

The Indiana Department of Transportation/Purdue University accelerated pavement testing facilities (APT and PURWheel) have been utilized in conducting the National Pooled Funds Study (PFS) No. 176, “Validation of SHRP Asphalt Mixture Specifications Using Accelerated Pavement Testing”. Benefit of using the Accelerated Pavement Tester is that early rutting performance could be obtained for Superpave mixtures. In conjunction with the testing, finite element models have been developed for relating the test results from both APT and PURWheel tests and predicting the in-service pavement performance. Factors have been identified that have significant effects on rutting magnitude. These factors include pavement geometry, boundary conditions, materials, loads, test conditions, and construction variables. Determining the effects of these factors provides a means for better interpreting of the test results and predicting in-service pavement performance from the accelerated pavement tests. A finite element program ABAQUS was used in this study. Creep model was used to represent the actual asphalt mixture time dependent material behavior. Based on the actual test data, the material constants in the creep model were back calculated. Results of FEM studies show that the creep model can successfully characterize the pavement material behavior through a reasonable approximation of loading and other factors and can be used effectively to predict the in-service pavement performance.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

White, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Civil engineering

COinS