Load Response of Transportation Support Systems

A method of analysis incorporating the finite element method and a failure model for granular and subgrade soils based on the Mohr-Coulomb theory, together with nonlinear material properties has been developed for the purpose of determining stresses and resilient deformations in transportation support systems. Analytical predictions of resilient deformations for an existing pavement agree reasonably well with measured values under impulse loading. Analyses using the proposed method indicate that although strength of granular base and subgrade may not affect their resilient deformations, it could have a significant influence on their permanent deformation behavior under repearted loads.