PAVEMENT STRAIN FROM MOVING DYNAMIC 3D LOAD DISTRIBUTION

This paper presents the formulation and the application of a continuum -based finite-layer approach to evaluate pavement strain response unde r actual traffic loading. The model incorporates important pavement re sponse parameters such as the dynamic tire-pavement load variations an d corresponding complex contact stress distributions (normal and shear ), vehicle speed, and viscoelastic material characterization. Results of a parametric study in which two typical thin and thick pavement sec tions were subjected to traffic loading moving at different speeds are included. As an important application of the proposed method, pavemen t strain responses generated by wide-base and dual tires have been pre sented. This study reveals that contradictory to the past studies, the impact of tire-pavement contact shear stress on tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt concrete is insignificant.