Application of semi-analytical finite element method to analyze asphalt pavement response under heavy traffic loads

Abstract Accurate assessment of the impact of heavy traffic loads on asphalt pavements requires a computational model which is able to calculate the response of the pavement fast and precisely. Currently the most finite element analysis programs based on traditional methods have various limitations. A specific program SAFEM was developed based on a semi-analytical finite element method to overcome the problems. It is a three-dimensional FE program that requires only a two-dimensional mesh by incorporating the semi-analytical method using Fourier series in the third dimension. The computational accuracy and efficiency of the program was verified by analytical verification previously. The experimental verification is carried out in this paper and the results show that the SAFEM is able to predict the mechanical responses of the asphalt pavement. Using the program SAFEM, the impact of heavy traffic loads was analyzed in terms of stress and strain distribution, surface deflection and fatigue life. The results indicate that if the asphalt pavement is subjected to the heavy traffic load more, the thicknesses and stiffness of the pavement structural layers should be increased adequately in order to support the surface deflection. The compressive stress in asphalt binder course is relatively large and increases more significantly compared with that in the other asphalt layers when the axle load becomes larger. With comparison of the predicted fatigue life, the increase of the axle load will lead to the destruction of the asphalt pavement extremely easily.

[1]  John P. Carter,et al.  CONSOLIDATION OF AXI-SYMMETRIC BODIES SUBJECTED TO NON AXI-SYMMETRIC LOADING , 1983 .

[2]  Markus Oeser,et al.  Development of a Nonlinear Finite Element Pavement Response to Load Model , 2018 .

[3]  J. Z. Zhu,et al.  The finite element method , 1977 .

[4]  John R Booker,et al.  Application of discrete Fourier series to the finite element stress analysis of axi-symmetric solids , 1991 .

[5]  Edward L. Wilson,et al.  Structural analysis of axisymmetric solids. , 1965 .

[6]  Dawei Wang,et al.  Application of Semi-analytical Finite Element Method Coupled with Infinite Element for Analysis of Asphalt Pavement Structural Response , 2015 .

[7]  S. Kim,et al.  Parallel computing using semianalytical finite element method , 1994 .

[8]  O. C. Zienkiewicz,et al.  Plastic (or visco‐plastic) behaviour of axisymmetric bodies subjected to non‐symmetric loading—semi‐analytical finite element solution , 1979 .

[9]  Adolfo E. Zeevaert.  Finite element formulation for the analysis of interfaces, nonlinear and large displacement problems in geotechnical engineering , 1980 .

[10]  Michael P. Wistuba,et al.  The European regulations for specimen fabrication prior to performance testing of asphalt mixtures , 2016 .

[11]  Lutfi Raad,et al.  LOAD RESPONSE OF TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT SYSTEMS , 1980 .

[12]  Yan Fushan.  Analysis on the Mechanical Responds of Asphalt Pavement with Subbase Used Fly-Ash-Flushed-by-Seawater under Heavy Traffic , 2013 .

[13]  Fritz J. Jooste,et al.  Flexible Pavement Response Evaluation using the Semi-analytical Finite Element Method , 2002 .

[14]  Dawei Wang,et al.  Application of semi-analytical finite element method to evaluate asphalt pavement bearing capacity , 2018 .

[15]  Reynaldo Roque,et al.  Effects of Surface Rutting on Near-Surface Pavement Responses Based on a Two-Dimensional Axle-Tire-Pavement Interaction Finite-Element Model , 2012 .

[16]  Using semi-analytical finite element method to evaluate stress intensity factors in pavement structure , 2008 .

[17]  O. C. Zienkiewicz,et al.  The Finite Element Method for Solid and Structural Mechanics , 2013 .