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Integrated Finite Element Analysis Program To Evaluate Pavement Performance And Predict Non-Destructive Testing Response, Cesar Tirado

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The response of a pavement system under wheel loading has been a subject of research for many decades. Several models have been developed to predict pavement performance based on layer deformation and fatigue cracking. Among them stand out computer programs based on linear elasto-static layered systems and viscoelastic-plastic models; however, newer or more advanced constitutive models cannot be rigorously incorporated into them. In contrast, finite element techniques allow incorporation of nonlinear and viscoelastic-plastic behavior of the pavement materials but licensing of software and the need to train personnel greatly limits its use by highway agencies. A mechanistic-empirical (M-E) approach for …