Prediction of Design Life of Asphalt Slab Track Foundation using 3D FEA

In this study, primary design parameters such as types of track sections, wheel load size, velocity, MGT, elastic modulus and thickness of each layers are defined. Full 3D Finite element analyses were performed using ABAQUS program in order to calculate tensile strains under asphalt layer and vertical stresses at top of subgrade with different values of design parameters defined. Using Miners' theory with computed structural analyses results, design charts to decide design life of the asphalt trackbed foudnation are produced.