Dynamic Response of Model Pavement Structure

Measurements of the stresses, strains and deflections occuring in a three-layer pavement structure subjected to dynamic surface loading are reported. These results are compared with theoretical values determined by linear elastic theory and finite element analysis. The silty clay subgrade and crushed stone subbase exhibited nonlinear stress-strain relationships. With a knowledge of these relationships, elastic theory could be used to calculate critical effects adequately for design purposes. An attempt has been made to characterize nonlinear materials approximately by using bulk and shear moduli rather than the conventional Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio.