• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.9 no.1 s.31
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• pp.1-15
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• 2007

The objective of this paper is the establishment of finite element analysis frame work for pavement research. Finite element analysis results simulating various loading experiments are verified with sensor measurements obtained from the KHC Test Road. The accuracy of the finite element analysis can be supported by these efforts so that it helps spread out the finite element analysis to pavement research and design processes. The finite element model used in this research is the full 3D nonlinear model including concrete slab, lean concrete base, subbase, shoulder, dowel, and tie-bar. In order to accomplish the accurate verification, the loading condition and the pavement temperature distribution are exactly simulated with field measured data. The curling behavior and the strain distribution are compared with measured responses from the loading tests with a truck and the FWD. Strain and curling predictions from the concrete slab are matched well with measured responses but the strain prediction from the lean concrete base is not matched with measured response. In addition, the magnitude of permanent curling is evaluated with the finite element analysis.