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Investigation of layered elastic theory prediction accuracy for asphalt concrete pavement design using micromechanical viscoelastic finite element modeling

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Abstract

In this study, predictions of full-scale micromechanical (MM) finite element (FE) models, developed from X-ray computed tomography images of asphalt concrete samples that were sawn from the accelerated pavement test sections, were used to evaluate the accuracy of layered elastic theory (LET) models that are used in pavement design today. First, MM FE and LET models were both calibrated using the measured strain gauge responses. Predictions of calibrated models were compared to evaluate the reasonableness of LET model outputs at high temperatures. Second, asphalt concrete stiffnesses measured in the laboratory were directly used for LET model development without performing any strain gauge calibration to evaluate the actual predictive capability of LET models in pavement design by using the calibrated MM FE model outputs as the ground truth. Recommendations were also made for future use of the MM FE models to improve the predictive capability of LET models.

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Acknowledgments

This paper describes research activities that were requested and sponsored by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Research and Innovation. The test section construction and HVS testing were funded by SHRP II Project R21, a program of the Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Science. Caltrans and SHRP II sponsorship is gratefully acknowledged. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors and do not reflect the official views or policies of the State of California, the Federal Highway Administration or the SHRP II program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Pavement Research Center, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Erdem Coleri & John T. Harvey

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  1. Erdem Coleri
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  2. John T. Harvey
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Correspondence to Erdem Coleri.

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Coleri, E., Harvey, J.T. Investigation of layered elastic theory prediction accuracy for asphalt concrete pavement design using micromechanical viscoelastic finite element modeling. Mater Struct 47, 411–432 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-013-0069-6

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