Flooded Pavement: Numerical Investigation of Saturation Effects on Asphalt Pavement Structures

Abstract

Excess moisture and pore pressure in pavements are significant causes of road deterioration. The evaluation of pavement degradation in flood events and water table rises is critical to proposing better designs and mitigation plans. Consequently, a three-dimensional finite-element simulation based on Biot consolidation theory and asphalt viscoelasticity under a moving tire load was developed to accurately analyze the detrimental effects of saturated layers in asphalt pavements. A parametric study was conducted to investigate pavements’ structural responses of varying asphalt concrete and base thickness, base and subgrade permeability, and vehicle speeds under different levels of saturation. The results demonstrated how saturation scenarios can increase the longitudinal strain at the bottom of asphalt concrete and therefore cause rutting. The asphalt concrete and base thickness, vehicle speed, and base and subgrade permeability are shown to highly affect the distribution of pore pressure–inducing stripping in the asphalt layer. Therefore, the outcome emphasizes the importance of considering the effects of increasing flood events in pavement designs and maintenance plans.