Three-dimensional finite element modelling of pervious concrete pavement : vertical porocity distribution approach

Pervious concrete has the unique characteristic of allowing water to pass through its porous matrix. . Pervious concrete pavement systems usually have three main layers, pervious concrete on the top, a subbase layer of aggregate for water storage in the middle and the subgrade (soil) layer below. Finite element modeling of this novel material is challenging due to its complex porous characteristics. In this paper, a method has been proposed to model pervious concrete pavement using finite element methods, which includes a modified approach to capture the unique vertical porosity distribution in the pervious concrete layer by averaging the distribution in three distinct vertical sections. The mechanical properties of the pervious concrete layer are assumed to vary along its depth since the porosity of the pervious concrete also varies with depth. ABAQUS, a general-purpose finite element software package was used to develop the model and perform the analysis. The model was validated through a convergence study, and in comparison with the analytical theory of tensile stress and deflection for traditional concrete pavement. In addition, the significance of the porosity distribution model was validated by comparing the results from EverFE – a specific software for pavement structure analysis. It was found that there is significant difference in tensile stress if modeled using the modified vertical porosity distribution in the previous concrete layer to more fully capture its vertical porosity distribution, as compared to an averaged porosity model in the previous concrete layer. It was also noted that compressive stress demand may have increased importance for pervious concrete, but only for highly porous applications which are not commonly used.