Anisotropic Behavior of Granular Materials: Impact on Flexible Pavement Design

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of anisotropic behavior of granular material in flexible pavement and quantify the effect on the overall design of the flexible pavement. The major scope of this study included design of flexible pavement based on conventional design using layered-elastic theory and anisotropic behavior of granular materials. These properties were considered through resilient modulus of granular and modeled through finite element modeling. 3D elemental model obtained from ABAQUS utilized similar material properties and loading conditions to simulate pavement responses. Pavement performance was predicted based on IRC 37: 2018 pavement design guidelines. It was found that the anisotropic behavior of granular materials overestimated the material properties which can potentially lead to premature failure.