Mechanistic modelling of grid-reinforced milled-and-overlaid asphalt pavements

Full-scale validation of a mechanistic model for asphalt grid reinforcement

“…The main objective of this work is to provide experimental validation for the mechanistic pavement response model proposed by Nielsen et al (2022). In general terms, the validation is assessed through the model's ability to capture and reproduce fieldmeasured strain responses under vehicular loading.…”

“…One reason for this shortcoming is the lack of an accepted mechanistic response model that can correctly capture and emulate AGR effects. A candidate for such a model was recently developed and presented in the work of Nielsen et al (2022). The development was based on further extending and enriching layered elastic theory (LET), which is the currently-accepted mechanistic component in ME design, to offer the following features: (i) linear thermo-viscoelastic behaviour for reproducing realistic AC layer properties; (ii) moving loads for representing realistic vehicular effects; (iii) fragmented layers for capturing the behaviour of old and severely damaged AC layers (Levenberg and Skar 2020);and (iv) relative sliding between any two adjoining layers for emulating imperfect bonding conditions.…”

“…This (current) study is motivated by further evaluating the pavement modelling approach proposed by Nielsen et al (2022), and judging its suitability and eventual acceptance to serve as a mechanistic component in ME design. The focus herein is on model validation, and specifically on the ability to emulate field-measured responses in a full-scale test setup that includes AGR.…”

“…The review is followed by stating the study objectives and outlining the associated methodology. Next, for completeness, the modelling formulation of Nielsen et al (2022) is briefly re-stated; this is followed by a description of a full-scale experimental campaign designed and constructed for model validation. The approach for model validation and the validation results are presented afterwards, followed by a parametric investigation that evaluates and quantifies AGR effects for a specific pavement system.…”

“…Specifically, only two studies were identified; however, successful validation of pavement response models including AGR was not demonstrated. Accordingly, there is a need for a more targeted full-scale validation approach for validating the proposed model by Nielsen et al (2022).…”