Finite-Element Modelling of Crack Sealant Flexible Pavement

Abstract

This paper documents the use of finite element analyses techniques to determine the failure mechanism in a crack sealant pavement under moving loads. The flexible pavement that is modelled is on a medium-strength subgrade. The stress-strain response of the medium soft clay is simulated using an elastic-plastic model. The three-dimensionality of the failure surface under actual wheel loads with wander requires that computationally intensive three-dimensional models is used. The finite element techniques employed are verified against available failure data of the laboratory testing samples. The paper will discuss the advantages and limitations of the crack sealant models that are currently used in pavement analysis. In addition, the paper will also discuss efficient finite-element techniques that can be used for crack sealant pavement analysis that will reduce the computational time without sacrificing accuracy.

Keywords

• crack sealant
• finite element
• stress & strain
• modelling
• flexible pavement
• elastic analysis
• moving load