Finite element analysis for airfield asphalt pavements rutting prediction

This paper presents a numerical study of an aircraft wheel impacting on a flexible pavement. The proposed three dimensional model simulates the behaviour of flexible runway pavement during the landing phase. This model was implemented in a finite element code in order to investigate the impact of repeated cycles of loads on pavement permanent deformation. In the model a traditional multi-layer pavement structure was considered. In addition, the asphalt layer (HMA) was assumed to follow an elasto-viscoplastic behaviour. The results demonstrate the capability of the model in predicting the permanent deformation distribution in the asphalt layer.