High Tire Pressure Research Articles

On the characterization of flexible pavement rutting using creep model-based finite element analysis

A new approach for characterizing flexible pavement rutting using creep model-based finite element analysis (FEA) is presented in this paper. A matrix of FEA was carefully designed so that pavements with low and high traffic volumes, low and high rutting levels, and different structural layer thickness combinations were all included. Transverse wheel wander distribution and non-uniform tire contact stresses were used in modeling traffic loads. The effects of pavement shoulder conditions and high tire pressure were also examined. New criteria were developed for identifying pavement layer failures based on evaluation of transverse surface profiles. Good agreement was found between failures predicted by the criteria and field observations on 20 in-service pavements. Software tools were developed to facilitate the use of the new failure criteria.

Rutting Failure in Full-Depth Asphalt Pavement

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.