Rutting Failure in Full-Depth Asphalt Pavement

Abstract

The paper deals with the rutting failure of a full-depth asphalt pavement, determined on the assumption that it is related to the bearing capacity mechanism, which in this case acts in the pavement itself. Hitherto, this analysis had been based on a model with isotropic strength parameters, and confined to conventional flexible pavement with tire pressures of 100 psi. On the other hand, compacted mixtures are known to be anisotropic, and their strength varies with their vertical temperature profile, especially in the full-depth case. The present analysis utilizes influence of an extension of Hill’s failure mechanism to include the effect of temperature and anisotropic properties. It is shown that the bearing capacity of full-depth asphalt pavement depends strongly on wheel dimension, the vertical temperature profile, and anisotropic properties of the asphalt mixture. Using the extensive model of bearing capacity, design curves are developed for design asphalt mixtures for full-depth asphalt pavements. It is shown that for high tire pressure, which exists in modern aircrafts, the conventional method of design is not applicable.