Comparação entre métodos de dimensionamento de pavimento flexível empíricos e análise mecanicista

Abstract

This paper deals with comparisons between empirical methods of dimensioning and mechanistic analyses of flexible pavements. Two empirical methods are discussed, the DNIT method and the AASHTO method, and mechanistic analyses performed by two programs, ELSYM5 and SisPav. First, a brief theoretical basis on the pavement and its dimensioning is presented, and then the methods and programs are discussed. Next, guidelines for dimensioning by empirical methods and guidelines for using the programs to perform mechanistic analyses are presented. Finally, the guidelines for dimensioning and mechanistic analyses are used in simulations and in a real paving project situation for a discussion of results. Thus, the main characteristics of empirical methods and mechanistic analyses are highlighted, concluding that empirical methods are insufficient to predict the behavior of materials and the generation of pavement damage. Thus, it is necessary to use mechanistic analyses in order to obtain good pavement design and to contribute to the current situation of the country's highways.