Investigation of Behavioral Aspects of Flexible Pavement under Various Conditions by Finite Element Method

Summary

Basic aim of this paper is to develop a tailor made program for design and analysis of flexible pavements using finite element method which will enhance the scope to use variety of combinations of materials, conditions, and various parameters which correlates with the actual conditions on the field. The conditions which affect the flexible pavement are variation of wheel loading, temperature, seepage, varying thickness, etc. Both positive and negative change in temperature during day time and night time as well as due to seasonal changes will be considered. The water seeps through sub grade which results in decrease in life of pavement by reduction in sub grade modulus. The effect of water table will be studied on swelling and shrinkage property of sub grade. Similarly performance of pavement will be checked by varying thicknesses of asphalt concrete, and base layers. The capillary water held in pores of concrete pavement may cause failure of pavement by freezing and thawing action. The effect of wheel loading cannot be neglected as severe pavement damage is because of higher axle loads. However from the past studies and through the recommendations of the AASHTO code of practice the actual wheel load and their combinations could be shortlisted.

The complex characteristic of the present day systems therefore demands an application of analytical tool which can accommodate the details of the complex system. In this connection it should be noted that the versatile finite element solution technique holds a bright promise. Therefore it is proposed to discuss at length the application of the finite element method towards design of the flexible pavements.