Finite-Element Modeling of Cementitiously Stabilized Beams Using a Smeared Fracture Approach

Abstract

Cracking is considered a vital distress in a pavement structure. It generally initiates and propagates (bottom up and/or surface down) causing damage to the overall pavement structure. Most previous numerical modeling studies have assumed the stabilized layer as an uncracked layer, thereby overestimating the overall stiffness of a pavement structure. Recent developments in the finite element modeling technique and availability of general purpose computer programs have significantly enhanced the treatment of cracks in numerical modeling of a stabilized layer. This study focuses on employing a smeared crack model to investigate the flexural behavior of stabilized beams. The employed model is calibrated for Meridian aggregate stabilized with 10% class C fly ash by performing laboratory tests, namely, tensile strength, compressive strength, biaxial strength, and fracture energy. Load-deflection curves form the finite element calculations are compared with pertinent laboratory test results. Overall, numerical results show a fairly good agreement with the laboratory test results, although some difference is observed among the load-deflection curves, particularly in the softening zone. Overall, the smeared crack approach appears to be a useful tool for predicting the flexural behavior of cementitiously stabilized aggregate bases.