Analytical Design Methodology for Thin Surfaced Asphalt Pavements in Germany

摘要

The paper presents the fundamental basis of an analytical design methodology for roads with thin asphalt surfaces in Germany. A new mechanistic-empirical design approach was developed which is focused on limiting the main sources of rutting of thinly sealed pavement structures: 1) excessive plastic deformation in the subgrade and 2) excessive plastic deformation of the unbound granular materials in the basecourse in the vicinity of the wheel load. The procedure is based on two steps: first, a response step is carried out where the response of the structure is calculated due to traffic loading, taking into account the effect of climatic conditions on material properties. Thereafter, a distress prediction is undertaken to evaluate the accumulated damage in terms of rutting originated in the subgrade and granular basecourse.