Modelling of Flexible Pavements by the Finite Element Method: Application to the Calculation of the Rutting

In this article, study presents finite element modeling of rutting of flexible pavement structures. The choice of a flexible pavement structure of length 25R, width 25R and height 55R is adopted to minimize edge effects that influence pavement responses in terms of stresses and strains (R=125 mm is the radius of the tire's circular footprint). The study was carried out using the ABAQUS calculation code. The latter takes into account the actual behavior of all the materials making up the various layers (viscoelastic for the wearing course and non-linear for the base courses). The rutting calculation based on the linear, viscoelastic behavior of the wearing course demonstrates the importance of taking into account the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt concrete in the design of flexible pavement structures. The rutting depth of the pavement obtained with Bakel sandstones in the base course is significant compared with that of Diack basalt, which is a reference material in road construction in Senegal, and consequently treatment of these sandstones is necessary for their possible use in the base course.