Finite Element Modelling of Bitumen Pavement Structures with Cement Treated Base and Sub-Base Course Layers

Abstract

Flexible pavements are an important part of the transportation infrastructure, providing a smooth and safe driving surface for vehicles. However, over time, these pavements can develop distress characteristics such as wheel path rutting and fatigue cracking, which can impact their performance and longevity. To better understand the mechanical response of flexible pavements, a thorough investigation of the materials is required. In this study, a model was developed using ANSYS software to investigate the behaviour of Cement Treated Base and Sub-Base Course Layers of a bituminous concrete pavement. The analytical results were then compared with those obtained from IIT PAVE software, a widely used pavement analysis and design tool. By comparing the results obtained from two different software packages, the study aimed to validate the accuracy of the analysis. The findings of the study revealed that both ANSYS and IIT PAVE exhibited good linear elastic analysis, with ANSYS displaying slightly higher horizontal tensile strain and lower vertical compressive strain values. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanical behaviour of flexible pavements and can be utilized to improve pavement design and maintenance strategies. The higher horizontal tensile strain values obtained from ANSYS may indicate that the software is better suited for predicting the development of fatigue cracking, which is a common distress characteristic of flexible pavements. On the other hand, the lower vertical compressive strain values obtained from ANSYS suggest that the software may not accurately predict the development of rutting, another common distress characteristic of flexible pavements. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations of the mechanical response of materials in the development and maintenance of flexible pavements. By utilizing advanced analysis tools such as ANSYS and IIT PAVE, engineers and planners can develop more accurate models of flexible pavements, allowing them to better predict and mitigate the impact of distress characteristics on pavement performance and longevity.