Effect of high temperature and traffic loading on rutting performance of flexible pavement

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the effect of high temperature on rutting damage of flexible pavement by imposed two models for investigation using ABAQUS ver.6.12.1 finite element program. The first model induced traffic loading and the second one implied for combined traffic and thermal loading conditions. The results obtained showed there is a significant effect of both thermal and traffic loading conditions on rutting damage of flexible pavement and higher temperatures will provide high rut depth by; 2.29, 3.1 and 4.3 times for Asphalt layer, base layer and subgrade layer respectively. The maximum critical vertical strain concentrated at the top of subgrade layer for the first model of traffic loading effect only, but these critical maximum values extended to the base layer under the combined effect of traffic and thermal loading conditions due to the higher temperature that induces large strains. Increase in local temperature to about 45 °C on the surface of flexible pavement result in reduction of maximum number of repetitions to cause rutting by about 3 times less if compare the rutting model based on traffic loading. The resistance to rutting of flexible pavement based on the high temperature as well the applied traffic loading. Also higher damage is obtained under combined thermal and traffic loading as compared to model of traffic loading conditions only.