ABSTRACT
Finite Element Method of Lines (FEMOL) is a general and powerful semi-analytical and semi-discretized method. Based on the newly-developed Energy Element Projection (EEP) super-convergent method, the self-adaptive analysis, as a modern goal of numerical computation, has been succeeded in application to FEMOL. The FEMOL and EEP self-adaptive method are applied to structural analysis of asphalt pavements for the first time, with only the static and elastic state being considered. Taking the 3D axisymmetric problem simplified from the asphalt pavement structure under a single axle load as the model problem, an introduction of self-adaptive FEMOL with EEP strategy was given firstly. Then numerical calculations were implemented to three mechanical models of pavement. The results show that the adaptive FEMOL can obtain displacements satisfying the specified tolerance, stresses with super-convergent accuracy, and optimum meshes adaptive to the mechanical properties of problems, and it is feasible, reliable and superior for analysis of pavement.
