2D PLAXIS FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF ASPHALT-CONCRETE PAVEMENT REINFORCED WITH GEOGRID

Abstract

Geogrid-reinforcement is often used in conjunction with unbound base layers to enhance flexiblepavements performance. This paper presents an axisymmetric finite element (FE) model to analyzethe behavior of unreinforced and geogrid reinforced bituminous pavement subjected to static anddynamic loadings. The model was loaded with an incremental loading and the critical pavementresponses such as effective stress and vertical surface deflection were determined for unreinforcedand geogrid reinforced flexible pavement. The results indicated that during static loading, amoderate effect on the pavement behavior was observed due to the reinforcing geogrid layer. Thiseffect was not noted in case of dynamic loading. The effect of dynamic loading frequency onpavement settlement was significant especially for high loading amplitudes. The results also showedno significant improvement in pavement system behavior was obtained by adding another layer ofgeogrid reinforcement.