Training in European Asset Management

Researcher - Zhangli Wang

Institute:

University College Dublin, Ireland

Supervisor(s):

Ciaran Mc Nally

Project Description:

Using geophysical techniques to determine key parameters for pavement models

To accurately model the damage evolution in pavements, it is key that the thickness and stiffness of pavement layers in the field are measured correctly. This project will utilise a geophysical technique (Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave, MASW) to determine these parameters and incorporate them into a pavement damage model. A priori information regarding thicknesses will be, when appropriate, obtained with classical radar measurements. Special attention will be given to the influence of temperature and frequency on pavement mechanical properties. UCD researchers will provide expertise on MASW testing and developing procedures to allow this technique be used rapidly in the field. They will also correlate this with identified key pavement properties. Experts in the University of Nottingham have considerable experience in developing pavement deterioration models and the MASW data will provide an innovative approach for informing key parameters for these models.

Researcher – Dermot Casey

Institute:

University of Nottingham, UK

Supervisor(s):

A.C. Collop

Project Description:

Complex Tyre-Pavement Contact Pressures and the Effects on Surface Distress

The project is investigating the effects that complex Tyre-Pavement contact pressures have on the surface distress of pavements. The current design procedures use a simple circular uniform pressure contact patch as the loading for design. This is not truly representative of the actual loading which is a complex mix of non-uniform vertical, horizontal and transverse stresses and strains that are a cause of surface initiated distress. This distress is a major drain on maintenance resources and can become critical to the structural integrity of the pavement. The project will consist of modelling the problem in a Finite Element package called CAPA-3D developed by TU Delft. This will show the variations in stresses and strains due to the use of complex contact pressures in comparison to the traditional approach. The project will then investigate the knock-on effect this has on the surface distress of the pavement. The modelling will then be validated against experimental testing. This will highlight and quantify the role complex contact pressures have on the formation and rate of surface distress.

Researcher - Cinzia Maggiore

Institute:

University of Nottingham, UK

Supervisor(s):

A.C. Collop and G.D. Airey

Project Description:

Fatigue and Healing in asphalt

The aim of this project is to improve understanding of fatigue damage and healing in asphalt mixtures. A range of laboratory-scale experiments will be undertaken under relatively simple stress conditions over a range of temperatures and rest periods. Results will be used to develop a model of damage accumulation in asphalt accounting for rest periods and verification/calibration of the model. Additional laboratory-scale experiments will then be undertaken under more complex (two dimensional) stress conditions for preliminary validation of the model. Finally, larger scale rolling wheel experiments will be undertaken on a flexible foundation to provide secondary validation for the model.