Prediction versus performance of a granular pavement tested with the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF)

In this paper a computing model for pavement analysis (NONCIRL) is used to predict the performance of a granular pavement tested with the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) complemented by data obtained from repeated load triaxial testing. The program has been incorporated into the proposed revision of the design of overlays in the AUSTROADS Design Guide and also into various rut depth models. The effects of material non-linearity, loading configuration, transverse distribution of load, loading history, environment and surface conditions were also considered. It is shown that the AUSTROADS subgrade strain criterion overestimated the pavement life because the subgrade deformation was not critical in this case. The Rut Depth model, which can take into account deformations in all pavement layers and in the subgrade, could predict closely the pavement deformation measured throughout the ALF loading test.