2D PLAXIS FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF ASPHALT-CONCRETE PAVEMENT REINFORCED WITH GEOGRID

Abstract

Geogrid-reinforcement is often used in conjunction with unbound base layers to enhance flexible pavements performance. This paper presents an axisymmetric finite element (FE) model to analyze the behavior of unreinforced and geogrid reinforced bituminous pavement subjected to static and dynamic loadings. The model was loaded with an incremental loading and the critical pavement responses such as effective stress and vertical surface deflection were determined for unreinforced and geogrid reinforced flexible pavement. The results indicated that during static loading, a moderate effect on the pavement behavior was observed due to the reinforcing geogrid layer. This effect was not noted in case of dynamic loading. The effect of dynamic loading frequency on pavement settlement was significant especially for high loading amplitudes. The results also showed no significant improvement in pavement system behavior was obtained by adding another layer of geogrid reinforcement.