A mechanistic–empirical model for base-reinforced flexible pavements

Abstract

A mechanistic -empirical model for geosynthetic base-reinforced flexible pavements is proposed. The model uses traditional components of an existing unreinforced mechanistic -empirical model developed in the USA through NCHRP Project 1-37A. These components include a finite element response model, material models for the asphalt concrete, unbound aggregate base and subgrade and damage models for asphalt concrete fatigue cracking and permanent deformation in the pavement cross-section layers. New components for the reinforcement are introduced and include structural elements for the reinforcement, a material model for the reinforcement, a model for reinforcement -aggregate shear interaction, additional response modelling steps that account for the influence of the reinforcement on lateral confinement of the base aggregate during construction and subsequent traffic loading, and a modified permanent deformation damage model used for aggregate within the influence zone of the reinforcement. This paper describes the basic components of the model with a focus on the ability of the model to predict permanent deformation, which is compared to results from test sections. This comparison shows favourable agreement that is on the level seen with existing unreinforced mechanistic -empirical models and a large improvement over previously proposed models for reinforced pavements.

Monitoring Performance of Geosynthetic-Reinforced and Lime-Treated Low-Volume Roads under Traffic Loading and Environmental Conditions

“…A variety of methods have been used to address the contribution of geosynthetic reinforcement in pavement systems (Barksdale et al 1989, Perkins and Edens 2003a,b, Kwon et al 2005a, Kwon et al 2005b, Perkins et al 2009, Douglas 1997, Tingle and Jersey 2005. However, there is still a lack of detailed understanding about the actual properties govern the behavior of geosynthetic reinforcement in pavements (Christopher et al 2001, Zornberg andGupta 2009).…”

Road surface permanent deformations with a shallowly buried steel-reinforced high-density polyethylene pipe under cyclic loading

“…Pavement design in the United States is currently under the transition from the empirical design method to the mechanisticeempirical pavement design method. Some researchers extended the M-E pavement design method by incorporating the effects of geosynthetic reinforcement (Perkins et al, 2009(Perkins et al, , 2012and Yang et al, 2013). However, no research has been done to evaluate the permanent deformation of road with shallowly buried drainage pipes.…”

Mechanistic-empirical approach to characterizing permanent deformation of reinforced soft soil subgrade

“…However, only a limited number of studies were found that attempted to develop ME methods or models for flexible pavements reinforced with geosynthetics, including geogrids. Perkins et al (2004Perkins et al ( , 2009) conducted a series of large-scale triaxial tests on base aggregate with a single layer of geogrid installed at mid-height of the sample to develop ME permanent deformation models for the base layer modified by geogrids. A zone of influence of the geogrid reinforcement was identified, and the ME permanent deformation model for a reinforced base layer was incorporated only into the influence zone.…”