A mechanistic–empirical design method for geosynthetic-reinforced bases of flexible pavements is described. This method shares features with a nationally recognized mechanistic–empirical method developed through NCHRP Project 1-37a for conventional, unreinforced flexible pavements. The method developed for reinforced pavements contains material and damage models for the different layers of the pavement cross section, testing methods for identification of material properties, incorporation of reinforcement into a finite element response model, and development of response model modules that account for fundamental mechanisms of reinforcement. Unreinforced mechanistic–empirical models were field calibrated from low-volume road test sections constructed in two pavement test facilities. One facility involved full-scale tests loaded by a heavy vehicle simulator. The second facility involved large-scale laboratory model tests with cyclic load applied to a stationary circular plate resting on the pavement surface. Reinforced models were then compared with test sections from these same two facilities to gauge the suitability of the developed modeling techniques. A sensitivity study was performed to evaluate reinforced models for bracketing combinations of pavement traffic level, sub-grade stiffness, reinforcement type, and reinforcement position. The majority of the models were set up to evaluate the increased number of traffic passes that could be applied when reinforcement was added to the cross section. Several models were created to evaluate the reduction in base course thickness for an equal number of traffic passes for reinforced and unreinforced sections. Pavement section performance was evaluated for permanent surface deformation and asphalt concrete fatigue cracking. This paper focuses on the results of these predictions and the implications for the use of geosynthetic reinforcement in low-volume roads.
Mechanistic–Empirical Design Model Predictions for Base-Reinforced Pavements
Transportation Research Record
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 1989-2 , 1 ; 121-128
2007-01-01
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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