Degradation of a Granular Base under a Flexible Pavement: DEM Simulation
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 6, Issue 6
Abstract
Flexible pavements are composed by an asphalt concrete layer, granular base and subbase layers, and a natural subgrade. The granular materials forming part of the granular layers are subjected to static and dynamic loads during their engineering life. As a result of these loads particle crushing may occur depending on the strength of the particles forming the granular layers. Particle crushing is important since it is associated with several detrimental effects such as settlements and a reduction in hydraulic conductivity. A computer simulation using the discrete element method (DEM) is presented in order to understand and visualize how crushing initiates and develops inside a simulated pavement structure.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by Grant No. CMS-0301815 to the University of Pittsburgh from the National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C. This support is gratefully acknowledged.NSF
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 6 • Issue 6 • November 2006
Pages: 435 - 439
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: May 26, 2005
Accepted: Nov 29, 2005
Published online: Nov 1, 2006
Published in print: Nov 2006
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