Analytic Modeling of Small-Scale Geogrid-Reinforced Asphalt Pavement Structures Subjected to Non-Uniform Rigid Plate Loads

A well-known gap in current pavement design methodologies is quantifying strength contributions from geogrid reinforcement. A popular method for modeling geogrid reinforcement is through “sub-layering,” where the region within the vicinity of the proposed geogrid is modified by the inclusion of stiffer elastic moduli. However, it is difficult to characterize the stiffness and extent of the sub-layering around the geogrid. Another method is proposed, which implements a Pasternak-type interface model within a layered elastic framework to simulate the effect of a geogrid. The model was tested against measured data collected from small-scale cyclic plate load tests of geogrid-reinforced asphalt pavement structures where the effect of a rigid plate load was simulated using a non-uniform loading function. Results showed that the proposed analytic model matched measured deformation and stress responses reasonably well. Findings suggested that the response model should be considered in future developments of a geogrid mechanistic-empirical performance model.