Nonlinear finite element (FE) pavement models were developed for predicting the response and deformation of granular pavements with thin bituminous surfaces to a wider range of loadings under heavy vehicles. For granular materials, the treatments for nonlinear stress strain response (stress-dependent characteristics) under repeated loadings required the inclusion of both initial and failure stress conditions to produce more realistic solutions. A field trial of pavement response-to-load testing using actual heavy vehicles having single, tandem, tri and quad axles was carried out to determine field surface and subsurface deflection data for the validation of the FE response-prediction model. A field trial of accelerated pavement testing at the Australian Accelerated Loading Facility was also carried out to determine field deformation data for the validation of the deformation-prediction model. Laboratory testing was conducted on the materials used in these field trials to determine material inputs for the FE analyses. It was found that the FE-predicted pavement deflections and deformations are in agreement with field measurements. (a).
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