Stress-strain characteristics of flexible pavement using finite element analysis

Design of flexible pavement is largely based on empirical methods using layered elastic and twodimensional finite element (FE) analysis. Currently a shift underway towards more mechanistic design techniques to minimize the limitations in determining stress, strain and displacement in pavement analysis. This research documents the use of 3D finite element application for predicting mechanical behavior and pavement performance subjected to various traffic factors. Different axle configuration, tire imprint areas and inflation pressure are investigated here to analyze the considerable impact on pavement damage initiation from fatigue and permanent deformation point of view. In this study, flexible pavement modeling is done using ABAQUS software in which model dimensions, element types and meshing strategies are taken by successive trial and error to achieve desired accuracy and convergence of the study. Thus proper tire imprint area is determined to apply in economical design of pavement for various axle configurations.