An improved dynamic model for the study of a flexible pavement

Abstract : This paper introduces the semi-analytical and finite element models implemented to study a Falling Weight Deflectometer test conducted on a flexible pavement. These dynamic models take into account the effects of both Rayleigh damping in soil and viscous damping in bituminous materials, with respect to temperature, on structural deflection. Moreover, numerical results have been compared with in situ measurements recorded on an instrumented pavement. Results from numerical models showed the importance of taking into account the effect of damping (hysteretic or viscoelastic) of all layers of the pavement against temperature, loading and mechanical parameters. The parametric analysis introduced as a basis for future development of a dynamic backcalculation program.