Comparison of Pavement Layers Responses with Considering Different Models for Asphalt Concrete Viscoelastic Properties

In this paper, a comparison between pavement responses is performed by considering two different models for the linear viscoelastic behavior of an asphalt concrete layer. Two models, the Maxwell model and the Kelvin-Voigt model, are generalized. The former is used in ABAQUS and the latter in KENLAYER. As a preliminary step, an appropriate structural model for a flexible pavement structure is developed in ABAQUS by considering linear elastic behavior for all the layers. According to this model, when the depth of a structural model is equal to 6 meters, there is a good agreement between the ABAQUS and KENLAYER results. In this model, the thickness of the pavement is equal to 30 centimeters, and the thickness of the subgrade is equal to 5.7 meters. Then, the viscoelastic behavior is considered for the asphalt concrete layer, and the results from KENLAYER and ABAQUS are compared with each other. The results indicate that the type of viscoelastic model applied to an asphalt concrete layer has a significant effect on the prediction of pavement responses and, logically, the predicted performance of a pavement.