Abstract
Continuously increasing traffic volumes necessitate accurate design methods to ensure the optimal service life and efficient use of raw materials. Numerical simulations commonly pursue a simplified approach with homogeneous pavement materials and homogeneous loading. Neither the pavement geometry nor the loading is homogeneous in reality. In this study, the mechanical response of the asphalt mixtures due to homogeneous loads is compared with their mechanical response to inhomogeneous loads. A 3D finite element model was reconstructed with the aid of X-ray computed tomography. Sections of a real tire’s pressure distribution were used for the inhomogeneous loads. The evaluation of the material response analyzes the stress distribution within the samples. An inhomogeneous load evokes an increased proportion of high stresses within the sample in every case, particularly at low temperatures. When comparing the two types of loads, the average stresses on the interior (tension and compression) exhibit significant differences. The magnitude of the discrepancies shows that this approach yields results that differ significantly from the common practice of using homogeneous models and can be used to improve pavement design.
Highlights
The steadily increased traffic load reinforces the need for precise assessment of the pavement to ensure optimal use of increasingly scarce resources
One of the most important factors in finite element method (FEM) modeling of flexible pavements is the geometry of contact area between tire and pavement as well as the loading distribution
12, 3058 results 2019, in this study focused on the variations in the mechanical response due to different loading distributions at different temperatures; the absolute values were less crucial
Summary
The steadily increased traffic load reinforces the need for precise assessment of the pavement to ensure optimal use of increasingly scarce resources. Blab and Harvey conducted FEM simulation of pavement performance under the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) using a linear viscoelastic model, with the nodal forces in the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions measured by VRSPTA to provide more realistic loading rather than an assumed circular uniform stress [14]. These FEM studies indicated that the regular shape of the contact area such as a rectangle with non-uniform loading distribution improved prediction of the stress and strain state in the near-surface pavement section.
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