ISSN: 2734-9438
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Influence of modulus, thickness and material type on the mechanical behavior of pavement structures
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of elastic modulus, layer thickness and material type on pavement structures using simulations with the Alizé-LCPC software. Two pavement types were analyzed: (i) flexible and (ii) high-grade pavements. The evaluated indicators include tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer (εT), vertical strain at the top of the subgrade (εZ) and surface deflection (D0). The results indicate a nonlinear relationship between asphalt layer thickness and tensile strain, with a “critical thickness zone” where εT reaches its maximum before decreasing as the layer becomes thicker. Asphalt thickness strongly influences all three indicators, while its elastic modulus primarily governs εT. The unbound granular base mainly affects subgrade strain but has limited impact on surface deflection and tensile strain. Pavements with only unbound granular bases show low structural efficiency, whereas high-modulus base layers in high-grade pavements substantially reduce εT, εZ and D0, enhancing overall structural strength and stability.
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