Multilayer systems such as pavements and railroads are subjected to repeated traffic loads of varying magnitude and number of repetitions. The accumulation of plastic strains in a given system may increase under repeated load applications, leading to a state of incremental collapse, or plastic strain may cease to increase with time, resulting in a stable response or shakedown condition. An improved numerical method for the application of shakedown theory to multilayer systems is presented. The proposed method is used to analyse two-layer pavements with varying geometry and material properties. Fatigue and shakedown analyses are also performed for two-layer systems consisting of a cement-treated layer and an asphalt concrete layer overlying a subgrade. Results of analyses are compared and discussed in relation to the design of such systems.
Abstract