Enhanced pavement design process to incorporate moisture management geotextiles: a comprehensive mechanical-hydro-mechanical modeling and design integration (Part A)

The mechanical reinforcement effects of a Moisture Management Geotextile (MMG) within pavement systems were evaluated using finite element modeling. Field test sections in Minnesota and Texas were constructed to assess the MMG’s performance under varying climatic conditions and loading scenarios. A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model was developed in ABAQUS, incorporating non-linear, stress-dependent behavior of unbound materials and modeling the geotextile as an orthotropic elastic membrane to capture its anisotropic properties. Calibration and validation using Falling Weight Deflectometer data demonstrated the model’s accuracy in capturing pavement responses and the mechanical reinforcement provided by the MMG. An extensive parametric analysis, involving over 110,000 finite element simulations across various locations, traffic levels, pavement cross-sections, and material properties, was conducted to evaluate the MMG’s impact. Comparative analyses aligned rutting damage predictions from the non-linear models with traditional Layered Elastic Analysis (LEA) methods. Adjustments were made to unbound granular layer thicknesses in the LEA models to account for the mechanical reinforcement effects captured in non-linear ABAQUS model. A Python-based tool was developed to facilitate practical implementation of these adjustments in pavement design. Although the broader parametric analysis was extensive, this paper presents selected demonstration cases to illustrate the methodology and key findings. Findings indicate that the MMG can significantly enhance pavement performance by reducing compressive strains on the subgrade and permit thinner base layers without compromising structural integrity, leading to potential cost savings and material efficiency. The study underscores the importance of incorporating geosynthetic reinforcement into pavement design and provides a practical methodology for accounting the MMG’s mechanical benefits within existing design frameworks. This paper (Part A) focuses on mechanical reinforcement effects; a companion paper (Part B) will address hydraulic stabilization, developing a comprehensive model integrating both benefits to enhance pavement design methodologies.