Development of a Granular Media Model for Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Today's pavement design calls for more emphasis on pavement performance prediction. This is a far more complex task than traditional designs that strive to provide safe thickness and specifications for the material. Modern computational mechanics provide application tools to deal with this new challenge, provided material models are created that predict cumulative deformations under traffic loading. This paper describes an ongoing research effort to create material models for granular base course material that may be implemented within general-purpose finite element computer programs. The model was evolved from a mechanistic interpretation of endochronic theory, which creates a modular system that can accommodate plasticity, visco-elasticity/plasticity, and damage within a single modeling format. The performance of the model is illustrated with the analysis of permanent deformations in a flexible pavement caused by repeated tire loads.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA389345

Entities

People

  • Donald M. Smith
  • John F. Pters
  • Raymond S. Rollings

Organizations

  • Engineer Research and Development Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Determinants (Mathematics)
  • Elastic Properties
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Materials
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Pavements
  • Plastic Properties
  • Shear Modulus

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Pavement Materials Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design