Evaluation of the response from the rigid pavement analysis system (RPAS) program for the characterisation of jointed concrete pavements

The methodology behind the current mechanistic-empirical design of jointed concrete pavements (JCP) is not very sensitive to the properties of the foundation layers of a pavement system. For this reason, it is essential to develop an analysis tool that is capable of accurately capturing the influence of these supporting layers. To address the limitations of utilising simplified models for the prediction of concrete pavement responses, researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have developed a finite element modelling tool (called Rigid Pavement Analysis System, RPAS) that incorporates a three-dimensional layered foundation. This paper presents the results of the verification of the 3-D foundation model in RPAS and the validation of this analysis tool with field and accelerated testing data. Response data from a standard truck load and a falling weight deflectometer from pavement sections at the MnROAD pavement testing facility were used to evaluate the performance of RPAS in modelling highway pavements. Response data from accelerated pavement testing on instrumented pavement sections at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) were also used to evaluate the capabilities of RPAS in modelling heavy aircraft traffic. The results obtained from RPAS determined that the field responses were a good measure to validate the reliability of the analysis tool.