Performance Analysis of Bases for Flexible Pavement

To evaluate performance of bases for flexible pavement State Route 33, many methodologies were utilized in this research. Five different types of base material (alphalt treated base, cement treated base, New Jersey base, Iowa base, and standard 304 aggregate base) were evaluated for their characteristics, properties, and the effect of environment condition on the properties of bases. All sensors were installed under the pavement surface in 1993 to determine the pavement responses and environmental conditions at the site. Asphalt concrete samples were obtained and tested at the same environmental site conditions in laboratory. Both the laboratory analysis and FWD data were assembled to analyze material property and estimated resilient modulus by backcalculation using MODCOMP3. After obtaining material properties of each layer, all parameters were used in the OUPAVE and KENLAYER computer programs to determine the pavement responses. The horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer and the vertical compressive strain at the surface of the subgrade were utilized as the input parameters in distress mode models. Damage analysis of each section was determined and compared using fatigue and rutting models. Finally, long term performance and expected service life of each section were estimated using actual ESALdata obtained from ODOT. Finally, environmental data, such as moisture content and temperature, obtained at the site were evaluated for its effect on the pavement. Permeability and performance of the base material obtained from previous researches were also utilized. Cement treated base and asphalt treated base are superior in draining water. New Jersey untreated base performed well compared to other base types and is one of the best bases for flexible pavement. Advisors/Committee Members: Sargand, Shad M.