THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE-ELEMENT SIMULATION OF FWD LOADING ON PAVEMENT SYSTEMS

Results of three-dimensional finite-element dynamic analyses of uncracked and deteriorated pavements subjected to a standard falling weight deflectometer (FWD) loading are presented in this paper. Specifically, simulation models of a jointed plain concrete in-service pavement were developed following a detailed visual distress survey, coring, and nondestructive evaluation of selected sections. Moduli for an uncracked pavement, for pavements having cracks and for a cracked pavement with voids beneath the concrete layer are backcalculated by matching finite-element simulation results to FWD deflection measurements. The backcalculated moduli agree reasonably well with the laboratory data. Although the results and conclusions of this study are based on FWD data collected on highway pavements, the nondestructive evaluation methodology is also applicable to airport or other heavy duty concrete and asphalt pavements.