Instrumentation, analysis and modeling of flexible pavement subdrainage
Abstract
Pavement subsurface drainage and its effect on pavement performance has been a subject of interest since the 18$\sp{\rm th}$ and 19$\sp{\rm th}$ centuries. With no doubt the detrimental effects of heavy wheel loads on pavements with saturated base material is a significant factor. The consequence of subsurface water on pavement performance includes premature rutting, cracking, faulting, and increased roughness, all of which lead to a decrease in serviceability. This research study involves field instrumentation, laboratory testing, field data collection, and numerical modeling. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the subdrainage performance of three pavement sections adopted by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Instruments were installed to monitor the air and pavement temperature, frost penetration, and pavement moisture conditions, and time and duration of rainfall and pavement outflow volumes. Subgrade and asphalt core samples were obtained from the field. Tests were performed on these samples to determine their hydraulic conductivity characteristics. The filter layer was found to be the most significant relative to subdrainage performance. An impermeable filter layer showed better drainage performance than a more permeable layer. The drainage pipe was found to have low flow capacity, which increased the drainage time for all sections. The finite element analysis highlighted the moisture flow conditions in the pavement. Several recommendations concerning the base and filter layer were made. A different section configuration is proposed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
White, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.