Prediction of Permanent Deformation of Granular Layers in Asphalt Pavements with Pavement Analysis Using the Nonlinear Damage Approach—Airfield Pavements

The prediction of stress, strain, and permanent deformation (rutting) in granular layers is a challenging task and requires sophisticated constitutive relationships. This paper uses a mechanistic-based model to predict the rutting of granular layers in airfield pavements when subjected to different tire pressures. This model incorporates Drucker–Prager (D-P) plasticity and includes an evolving hardening function that accounts for the changes in the hardening function in cyclic loading. The developed model is implemented in Pavement Analysis Using the Nonlinear Damage Approach—Airfield Pavements software developed for performance prediction of airfield pavements. Using this model, it was possible to predict the permanent deformation of airfield pavements when subjected to C-17 and C-130 aircraft wheels. The model was validated against the test sections tested at the Engineering Research and Development Center for two different wheel loads.