Field Validation of Airport Pavement Granular Layer Rutting Predictions

Abstract

This paper presents research findings on the prediction performances and field validations of the recently developed granular base-subbase layer permanent deformation models using the full-scale pavement test section data from the FAA's National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF). The FAA-designated P209/P154 aggregate materials were used in the construction and testing of the NAPTF flexible pavement test sections with variable-thickness base and subbase courses. To account for the rutting performances of these substantially thick granular layers, a comprehensive set of repeated load triaxial tests, considering both constant and variable confining pressure (CCP and VCP) conditions, were conducted on the P209 base and P154 subbase granular materials. On the basis of the laboratory test results, both CCP- and VCP-type permanent deformation models were developed to predict maximum ruts that occurred at the NAPTF under both six-wheel and four-wheel gear loadings applied following a wander pattern. The dev...