PURPOSES: This study is primarily focused on evaluating the effects of the non-linear stress-strain behavior of RAP concrete on structural response characteristics as is applicable to concrete pavement. METHODS : A 3D FE model was developed by incorporating the actual stress-strain behavior of RAP concrete obtained via flexural strength testing as a material property model to evaluate the effects of the non-linear stress-strain behavior to failure on the maximum stresses in the concrete slab and potential performance prediction results. In addition, a typical linear elastic model was employed to analyze the structural responses for comparison purposes. The analytical results from the FE model incorporating the actual stress-strain behavior of RAP concrete were compared to the corresponding results from the linear elastic FE model. RESULTS : The results indicate that the linear elastic model tends to yield higher predicted maximum stresses in the concrete as compared to those obtained via the actual stress-strain model. Consequently, these higher predicted stresses lead to a difference in potential performance of the concrete pavement containing RAP. CONCLUSIONS : Analysis of the concrete pavement containing RAP demonstrated that an appropriate analytical model using the actual stress-strain characteristics should be employed to calculate the structural responses of RAP concrete pavement instead of simply assuming the concrete to be a linear elastic material.

PURPOSES : This study primarily focused on evaluating the performance characteristics of 4.75-mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) asphalt mixtures for their more effective implementation to a layered flexible pavement system. METHODS: The full-scale pavements in the FDOT’s accelerated pavement testing (APT) program, including 4.75-mm mixtures at the top with different thicknesses and asphalt binder types, were considered for the faster and more realistic evaluation of the rutting performance. The results of superpave indirect tensile (IDT) tests and hot-mix asphalt fracture mechanics (HMA-FM) based model predictions were used for cracking performance assessments. RESULTS: The results indicated that the rutting performance of pavement structures with 4.75-mm mixtures may not be as good as to those with the typical 12.5-mm mixtures, and pavement rutting was primarily confined to the top layer of 4.75-mm mixtures. This was likely due to the relatively higher mixture instability and lower shear resistance compared to 12.5-mm mixtures. The energy ratio (ER) and HMA-FM based model performance prediction results showed a potential benefit of 4.75-mm mixtures in enhanced cracking resistance. CONCLUSIONS : In relation to their implementation, the best use of 4.75-mm mixtures seem to be as a surface course for low-trafficvolume applications. These mixtures can also be properly used as a preservation treatment that does not necessarily last as long as 12.5-mm NMAS structural mixes. It is recommended that adequate thicknesses and binder types be considered for the proper application of a 4.75-mm mixture in asphalt pavements to effectively resist both rutting and cracking.