Stress–Strain Response of Unbound Granular Materials Under Static and Cyclic Loading

Abstract

Resilient modulus is an important parameter in flexible pavement engineering design. The stress–strain behavior of unbound granular base materials under static and cyclic loading and the effects of the state of stress, moisture content and loading conditions have been analyzed in the present study. In this paper, the resilient behavior of unbound granular materials and the applicability of different constitutive models are examined in order to understand the behavior of granular material under static and cyclic loading. Since the aggregate material exhibits a complex stress–strain behavior, more than one model will be required to predict the stress–strain response of granular materials. Hence, different constitutive models have been considered in the present study which can adequately predict the stress–strain response of aggregate materials. Considering the constitutive models used in the present study, it could be said that the Lentz and Baladi model and the normalized degradation model suitably bring out a relation between static and cyclic tests. This is a useful input in pavement design and explains the variation of modulus with load repetitions.