Comparative Study on Selection of Suitable Pavement Performance Analysis Technique by Using FWD Measurement

Abstract

Numerous structural analysis techniques are employed to model the pavement structure, considering factors such as thickness of the pavement layer, mechanical properties, and loads. These techniques include the multilayered elastic theory, finite element method, and finite difference approach. Various computer programs are accessible for estimating pavement responses and conducting analyses using these techniques. The primary focus of this paper is the modeling of pavement structures, utilizing a range of computer programs, including KENLAYER, IITPAVE, and ANSYS. This study compares surface deflections measured at different sensors during a falling weight deflectometer (FWD) test. This study also aims to enhance the finite element model by utilizing static and dynamic analyses within the ANSYS computer program. According to the comparison study, all computer programs are more likely to accurately predict the deflection value, with a small percentage of root mean square error (RMSE) ranging from 0.138% to 3.29% for all models created by the computer programs and field measurement. Additionally, it was determined that dynamic analysis is the superior approach for modeling pavement in FWD testing, as it exhibits an RMSE variation of only 0.13% to 1.0%. The fundamental aim of modeling pavement structures is to ascertain the essential responses of the model, encompassing stress, strain, and deflection. The essential point is that the pavement model adequately depicts the behavior of the pavement in the field; it should not matter whether a pavement is represented using multilayered elastic program or a finite element (FE) program. Several researchers have focused predominantly on modeling FE for flexible pavement designs, with limited attention given to investigate FWD deflection values. Based on the observations, it can be concluded that ANSYS, utilizing the FE approach, emerges as the most efficient and adaptable computer program for simulating the FWD test and accurately calculating parameters such as deflection, tensile strain, and compressive strain. Thus, this study facilitates distinct target groups of pavement engineering in terms of a simple, robust model for predicting pavement structural performance using the ANSYS dynamic program that can be adopted during the maintenance phase of the pavement.