New hyperelastic material model for granular materials in pavement structures

To improve the analyses of stresses and strains induced by traffic lo ads in flexible pavement structures, a new material model based on hy perelasic has been developed. The proposed model includes the effect of resilient dilatancy in unbound granular materials. The three mate rial parameters controlling the model is determined from repeated loa d triaxial test. The hyperelastic model is being implemented in the general finite element programme ABAQUS and in a tailored finite elem ent programme. Based on the predicted stresses the actual degree of shear strength mobilisation may be determined. This is used together with repeated load triaxial testing at corresponding stress levels in a draft design procedure to predict permanent deformations under tra ffic loading.