A BEM-FEM APPROACH FOR ANALYSIS OF DISTRESSES IN PAVEMENTS

A combined boundary-element–finite-element method is presented for the analysis of distresses in pavements subjected to mechanical and environmental effects. Owing to the spatial dimensions of the problem, the non-homogeneity and the irregular geometry at the pavement joints, a combination of the two methods proves to offer a more realistic solution technique. The advantage of the finite element method (FEM) is in its capabilities of modelling near-field regions at or around the vicinity of the joint, whereas the boundary element method (BEM) is more suitable to model the far-field region at infinity. The three major distresses affecting the serviceability of the pavement system are the temperature, moisture and the applied mechanical loads. The model analyses the stresses and strains resulting from both mechanical and environmental factors in the analysis of a pavement system. Moreover, the infiltration of water through pavement joints, which causes weakening of the subgrade soil, is also analysed. Secondly the curling of the pavement concrete slab under the mechanical and thermal loads and induced friction may cause separation of the pavement structure from its supporting subgrade. Both are treated and modelled in this study. A detailed analysis of the pavement joint with its load transfer device is also performed for the proper assessment of the separation and further extension of the loss of support in the pavement system.