FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CONTROLLED LOW-STRENGTH MATERIAL PAVEMENT BASES: STATIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper presents static analysis of pavement bases constructed using sustainable material, a controlled low-strength material (CLSM), using finite element method (FEM). The CLSM concrete is introduced as pavement bases for its special features of easy compaction, high workability and relatively low cost. Rut-resistant stone matrix asphalt is placed on top of CLSM as wearing surface layer. The Young's moduli of CLSM are obtained from laboratory tests for two different binder mixtures, marked as CLSM-B80/30% and CLSM-B130/30%. Two-dimensional planar strain assumption is employed in the FE formulation of static analysis of the domain with 4-layered flexible pavement with different base materials. Longitudinal and transverse cross sections of pavements are analyzed using 720 rectangular Q4 elements. Emphasis is put on the settlement at the top surfaces of each layer as well as horizontal and vertical stresses induced by concentrated axle loads or uniform lane loads in longitudinal cross section and concentrated wheel loads in the transverse cross section using different materials for base layers. Numerical results show that the settlement and lateral pressure of CLSM bases are acceptable to assure the applicability of CLSM as a suitable sustainable material employed for pavement bases design and construction.