SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1994
STP18145S

Dyanamic Analysis of FWD Loading and Pavement Responce Using a Three Dimensional Dynamic Finite Element Program

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Multi-layer analyses are commonly used to analyze falling weight deflactometer (FWD) measurements and back calculate pavement layer moduli. This type of analysis assumes static loading conditions and linear elastic material properties. The FWD loading cycle cannot be considered in any sense as a static load. It is a dynamic load with a duration in the range of 30 to 40 msec. Also, paving materials and subgrades are not linear elastic materials and their response to static loads is different than that to dynamic loads, such as FWD loading. The difference between the multi-layer analysis assumptions and actual loading and material conditions is significant.

In this paper a three-dimensional dynamic finite element program (3D-DFEM), ABAQUS, is used to conduct a non-linear dynamic analysis of FWD tests on a flexible pavement section. Verification studies have, been conducted of the 3D-DFEM to verify its static and dynamic analysis of both rigid and flexible pavements and no significant difference was found between the predicted pavement response using the 3D-DFEM and the field measured pavement response. A design of experiment was developed to study the effect of layer thicknesses and moduli on pavement surface deflections at various offset distances. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were conducted to develop statistical models which can be used to predict pavement surface deflection at different offset distances as a function of layer thicknesses and moduli.

Author Information

Zaghloul, SM
School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
White, TD
School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Drnevich, VP
School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Coree, B
Indiana Department of Transportation, West Lafayette, IN
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Details
Developed by Committee: D04
Pages: 125–138
DOI: 10.1520/STP18145S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5267-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1865-2