Performance prediction modelling of flexible pavement structures

Rutting is one of the principal failure modes of flexible pavement structures. A new mechanistic-empirical (M-E) approach has been developed to predict the pavement rutting degradation. One permanent deformation model from the US-M-E pavement design guide has been incorporated for the asphalt concrete layer and three permanent deformation models for unbound granular materials. The traffic loading can consist of either standard axles or be represented as axle load spectra (ALS). Furthermore, lateral wander of the traffic can be modelled assuming it is normally distributed. Both laboratory and full scale field testing has been used to calibrate and validate the code. Three series of heavy vehicle simulator (HVS) tests with different types of base materials were used for this purpose. The permanent deformation, wheel loading, pavement temperature, and other material properties were continuously controlled during the HVS tests. Based on the obtained results it is believed that rutting development can be simulated adequately