The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) Develop empirical equivalencies from all four rings, (2) develop a design method for overlays based on field deflections; and (3) evaluate the validity of data obtained from instrumentation in terms of n-layer elastic theory and then develop theoretical equivalencies.
This was done. Field equivalencies were developed and they indicate the superiority of the treated base materials over the untreated. A design method was developed which could be used for predicting when an overlay was needed and what thickness was needed to withstand certain equivalent wheel loads and deflections.
Using computer programs for N-layer elastic theory developed by Chevron Research Company, deflection stresses and strains were computed and compared with field data. Assumptions about the material behavior and condition were made based on laboratory data obtained from The Asphalt Institute and field knowledge, and were used to help predict the behavior of pavements. The results were encouraging and indicate that field measurements generally were comparable with elastic layer theory predictions. This will help to develop and modify existing design limits for stresses, strains and deflection for future work.
Equivalencies based on theoretical deflections, stresses and strains indicate the difficulty of assigning precise values. These values also indicate the superiority of treated materials over the untreated materials.
July 30, 2007
Milan Krukar, John C. Cook.
Washington State University. Highway Research Section.
- # of Pages: 134 p., 2,964 KB (PDF)
- Subject: Base course (Pavements), Circular test tracks,
Deflection, Elastic analysis, Materials tests, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement design, Structural analysis, Thickness, Wheel loads.
- Keywords: Bases, Elastic analysis (Structural), Materials testing, Overlay thickness, Rings, Stress analysis, Subgrades, Washington State University.
- Related Publications:
Pavement Research at the Washington State University Test Track, Volume One, Experimental Ring No. 1: A Study of Cement Treated and Asphaltic Treated Bases, (WA-RD 15.1).
Pavement Research at the Washington State University Test Track. Volume Two, Experimental Ring No. 2: A Study of Untreated, Emulsion Treated, and Asphaltic-Cement Treated Bases, (WA-RD 15.2).
Pavement Research at the Washington State University Test Track. Volume Three, Experimental Ring No. 3: A Study of Untreated, Emulsion Treated, and Asphaltic-Cement Treated Bases, (WA-RD 15.3).
Pavement Research at the Washington State University Test Track. Volume 4, Experimental Ring No. 4: A Study of Untreated, Sand Asphalt, and Asphalt Concrete Bases, (WA-RD 15.4).
Pavement Research at the Washington State University Test Track. Volume 6, The Application of the WSU Test Track Data to Flexible Pavement Design, (WA-RD 15.6).
This abstract was last modified April 29, 2008