Comparison of numerical and experimental responses of pavement systems using various resilient modulus models

The accuracy of the structural design of flexible pavements based on mechanistic approaches is directly related to the appropriateness of the structural response algorithm and the material resilient modulus models selected. Mechanistic response algorithms can be based on layered theory or finite element algorithms. The geomaterials can be modeled as linear or nonlinear. To evaluate the appropriateness of the numerical models and the available resilient modulus models for estimating the response of pavements, several small-scale pavements were constructed and tested under different loads, loading areas and moisture conditions. A nonlinear numerical structural model was then utilized with different resilient modulus models to match the experimental responses. With some modifications, a three-parameter nonlinear model provided the same patterns as the experimentally measured values as long as the weight of the material was considered. In all cases, a transfer function was necessary to accommodate the differences in stiffness properties due to the differences between the field and the laboratory compaction methods.