Seismic response analysis of flexible pavements embedded with CLSM bases using finite element method

Dynamic loading other than moving wheel loads such that seismic oscillating excitation plays an important role in flexible pavement design. Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) has widely applied to pavement construction. In this study finite element analysis of seismic responses of four-layered flexible pavements subjected to earthquake excitations is conducted. Four different bases materials including graded crushed stone, CLSM-B80/30%, CLSM-B130/30% and asphalt concrete (AC), are employed for comparison study of the dynamic behavior of the multilayered systems including displacements, velocities and accelerations. Two-dimensional problems are considered and rectangular Q4 elements are employed. Dynamic responses of CLSMs of 1-day, 7-days and 28-days are also studied. Two typical earthquake ground excitations, 1940 El Centro and 1995 Kobe ground accelerations, are employed for synthesis. Numerical results depict that seismic responses of flexible pavements embedded with CLSM bases are better than those using graded crushed stone bases and CLSM can be good base materials for flexible pavements.