Near-surface stress states in flexible pavements using measured radial tire contact stresses and ADINA

The finite element code ADINA was used to identify the three-dimensional stress states in a typical flexible pavement configuration, resulting from measured radial tire contact stresses. The predictions show that measured radial tire contact stresses result in stress states being both larger in magnitude and more focused near the surface than those obtained from traditional uniform vertical loading conditions. In terms of effects of possible pavement damage mechanisms, predicted high near-surface shear stresses may be a part of an explanation for near-surface rutting failure modes, as supported by near-surface slip planes seen in the field.