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

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Faculty of Eng., Minia University, Civil Engineering Department, Egypt

Abstract

Geogrid-reinforcement is often used in conjunction with unbound base layers to enhance flexible
pavements performance. This paper presents an axisymmetric finite element (FE) model to analyze
the behavior of unreinforced and geogrid reinforced bituminous pavement subjected to static and
dynamic loadings. The model was loaded with an incremental loading and the critical pavement
responses such as effective stress and vertical surface deflection were determined for unreinforced
and geogrid reinforced flexible pavement. The results indicated that during static loading, a
moderate effect on the pavement behavior was observed due to the reinforcing geogrid layer. This
effect was not noted in case of dynamic loading. The effect of dynamic loading frequency on
pavement settlement was significant especially for high loading amplitudes. The results also showed
no significant improvement in pavement system behavior was obtained by adding another layer of
geogrid reinforcement.

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