Application of VESYS3AM in Characterization of Permanent Deformation

Abstract

The mechanistic system rutting model VESYS3AM was used to predict the rutting performance of three full-scale accelerated pavement test pads. Since the VESYS3AM system rutting model is not formulated to calculate layer rutting, a method was devised to extract the information by manipulating the layer input rutting parameters. Two MDDs were installed into each MLS test pad to determine layer deformation under a uniformly applied set of loads. For simplicity, all comparisons were made for a two-layer system; that is, an AC layer and a subsystem. The layer deformations from the MDDs were used to calibrate the VESYS3AM model parameters α and µ. The study represents a laboratory and Field determination of material properties, which could be used to model rutting if they were reproduced in other pavements. The predictions from the VESYS3AM system model matched field rutting performance data. Also, the layer rutting contributions were computed, and these compared favorably to MDD measurements.