Development of a temperature prediction model for flexible pavement structures

This study focuses on developing a temperature prediction model for the flexible pavement structure using an analytical approach based on local conditions. Flexible pavement layer samples were taken to determine the pavement layer properties. Temperature data-logger with four thermo-couple inputs was embedded in the pavement to record temperature values at pavement surface, 6 cm, 11 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm depths to validate the prediction model. The temperature profiles were established for the pre-defined pavement depths. The temperature prediction model of this study was developed based on the assumption of treating the whole pavement structure as a full-depth asphalt layer in terms of the thermal properties. The initial conditions were determined using the measured temperature values. The external heat transfer modes including radiation and heat convection effect were applied to the pavement surface by simulating the surface temperature profile. The field temperature values were used to study and adjust the model behavior with the input parameters. MATLAB software was used to generate the temperature profiles. The study results indicated that the prediction model predicted the field temperature profiles of the pavement structure fairly well. The maximum relative error was 7.02% (0.83 °C) and 6.68% (1.92 °C) at 11 cm and 6 cm depths, respectively.