Mechanistic Modelling of Flexible Pavements under HVS Loading and Data Collection for Validation of the FROST Pavement Design Finite Element Model

Status: Completed

Funding Agency: Department of War (DOW)

Abstract: 

This project aims to develop a field-validated finite element (FE) model to simulate the long-term performance of Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) pavements. As part of a previous project, three CIR pavement sections were constructed and instrumented at Rowan University. Each section was then subjected to accelerated truck and aircraft loading using a Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS). Data collected by pavement sensors were used in two modeling approaches: a viscoelastic analysis and a dynamic implicit analysis. The viscoelastic approach represents the time-dependent behavior of CIR materials more accurately, though at the expense of higher computational effort. Conversely, the dynamic implicit approach provides a quicker, more efficient estimate of performance while maintaining reasonable accuracy. Overall, both modeling approaches demonstrate how combining experimental testing with validated modeling can expand the applicability of CIR techniques and support optimized pavement design without the need for extensive field trials.

Investigators: Dr. Ahmed Saidi, PhD., Dr. Ayman Ali, PhD., Dr. Yusuf Mehta, PhD.

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