Implementation of generalized viscoelastic material model in ABAQUS code

An accurate description of behavior of bituminous mixes is necessary to adequately predict and evaluate the time dependent characteristics and the evolution of pavement distress. The generalized Maxwell model, currently considered to be one of the most suitable to characterize mechanical behavior of viscoelastic materials and widely used in many commercial FEM codes, is presented. A Prony series expansion implemented in ABAQUS code, is used to express the material’s behavior. The theoretical background of the model is briefly discussed. Finally, the model was efficiently used for numerical simulation of stress relaxation experiment.NUMERICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF A GENERALIZED VISCOELASTIC MATERIAL MODEL IN THE ABAQUS FEM ENVIRONMENT
In the process of designing flexible pavements based on the mechanistic method, determining the strain and stress states in the road structure plays a key role. The finite element method is increasingly used for this purpose, allowing for the consideration of the inelastic properties of asphalt mixtures. This paper presents the implementation of the generalized Maxwell model in the commercial FEM system ABAQUS. The theoretical foundations are briefly discussed, and then it is shown how the parameters of the rheological model are determined based on the approximation of experimental results. A numerical simulation of the stress relaxation process was carried out, and the results were compared with the analytical solution for the Burgers model.
1. INTRODUCTION
Flexible Pavements are multilayered systems constructed of bituminous and granular materials. Engineers involved in design of flexible pavements are continually looking for an effective analytical tool to assist in analyzing pavement structures. Such a tool will facilitate the establishment of a performance-based design, capable of extending the service life of roads. (…)

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