Finite Element Analysis of Pile-Supported Pavement Structures

A three-dimensional finite element analysis of pile-reinforced pavement systems was conducted. The parameteric study included both rigid and flexible airfield pavement systems. The influence of pile reinforcement in the subgrade was studied by comparing the surface deflections and the subgrade stresses in pile-reinforced pavement systems with those in nonreinforced systems. Changes in tensile stresses in concrete pavement slabs due to variations in pile stiffnesses were also examined. A reduction of surface deflection and subgrade stresses was observed in the pile-reinforced systems. The amount of reduction depended on the stiffness of the pile material. However, this reduction was accompanied by an increase in stress below the pile tips. A significant reduction of tensile stress in Portland cement concrete pavement slabs was noticed with increasing pile stiffness.