Mechanistic Characterization of Thin Asphalt Overlays for Pavement Preservation using Finite Element Modelling Approach
Thin asphalt overlays are commonly used as a preservation technique for rigid and flexible pavement because of their ability to improve riding quality, extend service life, and reduce noise levels. Many state highway agencies are currently using thin overlays routinely in local roads and highways as part of their planned preservation and maintenance operation. Despite the widespread use of thin overlays, there remain questions about their life expectancy and potential role in improving pavement's structural capacity and functional properties. The proposed research work aims at characterizing the performance of thin asphalt overlays using a mechanistic approach. However, the analysis of thin overlay poses significant challenges compared with the conventional techniques commonly used in the analysis of layered pavement systems. The overlays experience gradient of material properties because of aging and, possibly, moisture damage. In addition, the mixture's heterogeneity and microstructural characteristics render the application of some basic assumptions challenging; especially when the overlays are directly exposed to non- uniform and three-dimensional truck loads. Therefore, mechanistic-based performance deterioration models will be developed in this study, bridging the characteristics of the local (aggregate gradation, size, binder-aggregate, mastic-aggregate interactions, mastic, etc.) and global scales. The finite element model will be based on simple input parameters that should be available at the design and construction stage, but contain fundamental characteristics of the existing pavement, materials used, thickness, and environmental conditions.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Completed
- Funding: $207514.00
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Contract Numbers:
DTR13-G-UTC44
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Performing Organizations:
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
205 North Mathews Avenue
Urbana, IL United States 61801-2352 -
Principal Investigators:
Al-Qadi, Imad
- Start Date: 20140515
- Expected Completion Date: 0
- Actual Completion Date: 20170514
- Source Data: RiP Project 37472
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bituminous overlays; Finite element method; Flexible pavements; Mechanical properties; Ride quality; Rigid pavements; Service life; Tire/pavement noise
- Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01543135
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Pavement Preservation
- Contract Numbers: DTR13-G-UTC44
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Nov 8 2014 1:01AM