Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Parametric Modeling and Structure Verification of Asphalt Pavement Base
Parametric Modeling and Structure Verification of Asphalt Pavement Base
Automation in Construction
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/autcon
A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T
Keywords: As a result of progressive use of BIM in effective collaboration and sophisticated data management, the amount
Asphalt pavement of diverse project information is rapidly increased, thus its appearance directly led to revolutionary change in
Revit 3D model intelligent engineering and production mode. However, it has not been quite advanced in supporting road en-
Data conversion interface gineering, especially in conducting a structural calculation for asphalt pavement. Relying on the capabilities of
Finite element analysis
BIM and finite element modeling software ABAQUS, this paper proposed a data conversion interface that can not
Structure calculation
only present three-dimensional visual modeling but also conduct structural calculation for asphalt pavement. A
3D visualization modeling of asphalt pavement was firstly carried out through Revit modeling software.
Afterward, the generated model file (.RVT) was imported into the transferring software YJK, and the model was
transformed into a file named INP by the transferring software. Thus, the generated model file (.INP) was
analyzed by the software ABAQUS. This study effectively strengthened the BIM with structural analysis cap-
ability by developing a conversion interface based on BIM-ABAQUS. The framework provided a supporting
platform for the integration of BIM-based highway route design and pavement structural analysis in pavement
engineering.
⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: matao@seu.edu.cn (T. Ma).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.103066
Received 14 June 2019; Received in revised form 27 November 2019; Accepted 20 December 2019
Available online 28 December 2019
0926-5805/ © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
analysis of research areas regarding BIM for transportation infra- thickness and material properties. The second step is mainly focusing
structure. However, as an important part of asphalt pavement design, on taking pictures from the construction scene. Next, the superstructure
the structural calculation is not mentioned in both literatures. On the is modeled based on these construction scenes, which consist of a
other hand, for the research of asphalt pavement structure calculation, drainage ditch, medial divider, side slope and so on. The last step
Ahmed [27], Li [28], Singh [29] et al. conducted a structural calcula- should combine the pavement structure with the superstructure to
tion of asphalt pavement based on finite element program, and pro- complete the final model construction of three-dimensional typical as-
posed models which can be adopted for rutting and fatigue performance phalt pavement.
prediction of asphalt pavement. However, these studies are still limited
to the theoretical model derivation and are difficult to serve design and 2.1. Typical asphalt pavement structure
construction because of lacking a carrier, such as BIM.
In summary, most of the researchers are rarely involved in the road A statistical survey shows that over 90% of the high-level roads in
field by BIM technology or developed the function of structural calcu- China have adopted semi-rigid base and subbase materials using ce-
lation in BIM which can be attributed to two reasons: firstly, the ap- ment or lime-fly ash treated stone [36,37]. This type of base behaves
plication of the BIM technology in the road engineering is still in its like a flexible base in an early age. Its strength and rigidity increase
initial stage; secondly, the structural design and analysis are usually dramatically over time but less than that of Portland cement concrete.
two separate parts, and it is difficult to combine them into one platform During its service life, the semi-rigid base is characterized by good ri-
and work together properly. The design process of asphalt pavement gidity, stress dispersion capability, and moisture resistance with mod-
includes a structural design which directly affects the long-term per- erate tensile strength and fatigue resistance. Table 1 shows the struc-
formance of asphalt pavement, and thus combining BIM with industry tural layout of the selected semi-rigid base asphalt pavements.
characteristics to enrich the function of structure analysis and achieve
organic integration between different software is the inevitable trend of
2.2. Development of the parametric model
future the BIM technology [30–32]. The objective of this study is to
construct the data conversion interface based on the BIM and the
Traditional road design relies on two-dimensional computer-aided
ABAQUS. The interface enables BIM modeling data to be interoperable
drawings. During the design process, designers have to spend a lot of
with finite element analysis software to realize structural calculation
time on processing drawing information, which would lead to omission
within BIM, which effectively extends the research and development of
and mistake of information. Moreover, the integration and analysis of
BIM technology in the road industry.
drawings cannot be carried out systematically, and still requires con-
siderable manual identification and checking, which greatly lowers the
2. Development of a parametric model for asphalt pavement design efficiency.
Parametric modeling of pavement deepens the application of BIM in
This section describes a parametric model of asphalt pavement de- the road industry. It also lays a foundation for pavement structural
sign by Revit Architecture, a BIM software including features for ar- calculation. The 3D visual parametric model gives an intuitive sense
chitectural design, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), and and understanding of the totality of the design, and also clearly displays
structural engineering and supporting a multidisciplinary, collaborative the advantages and disadvantages of the design from a practical per-
design process [33–35]. A typical expressway asphalt pavement struc- spective, which helps decision-making for engineers. In this section,
ture is adopted according to China's traffic loading and climatic con- Revit, Navisworks and other BIM programs are used to create para-
dition. Then, the parametric model is constructed based on the typical metric models for typical semi-rigid base asphalt pavement, and to
pavement structure through the cooperation of BIM software such as prepare for pavement performance analysis.
Revit, Navisworks and Infraworks. The target model is shown in Fig. 1.
As shown in Fig. 1, the detailed modeling process is structured by 2.2.1. Autodesk Revit
four steps. The first section presents a 3D semi-rigid base layer with its Autodesk Revit has become the most widely used BIM core
2
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
Table 1
Selected semi-rigid pavements in China.
Project name AC Layer Base layer Subbase
Beijing-Shanghai Expressway AK-16(4 cm) AC-25(5 cm) AC-25(7 cm) Lime-fly ash agg.(36 cm) Lime-fly ash soil(40 cm)
Yan cheng Expressway AK-13(4 cm) AC-20(6 cm) AC-25(7 cm) Lime-fly ash agg.(36 cm) Lime-fly ash soil(40 cm)
Nanjing-Hangzhou Expressway SMA-13(4 cm) SUP-20(6 cm) SUP-25(8 cm) Cement stabilized agg.(36 cm) Lime-fly ash soil(40 cm)
Xi Yi Expressway SUP-13(4 cm) SUP-20(6 cm) SUP-25(7 cm) Cement stabilized agg.(36 cm) Lime-fly ash soil(40 cm)
modeling software in China. In contrast to Civil 3D, Revit is good at 2.2.3. Establishment of asphalt pavement parameterization model based on
designing structures with complex geometry with high calculation ef- BIM
ficiency. In this study, the Revit was used as a core modeling software. After the creation of family members, it is necessary to load the
Each road component, such as the median, AC layer, base layer, sub- application of them. Family components and project files are in-
base layer, slope, and drains, is created by customizing family. dependent and interrelated, and parametric modeling can be done only
when family members are loaded into the project document. The
completed family members are imported into the project and assembled
2.2.2. Creation of Revit family components according to actual roads. Taking Beijing-Shanghai expressway as an
The expressway is a high-level highway, with no < 4 lanes, two-way example, the result is shown in Fig. 3.
separated traffic, fully controlled access, and all highway crossing. The structural design of asphalt pavement is based on relevant
During the design process, due to the limitation of terrain conditions specifications of pavement design and construction, considering the
and traffic volume, there are many diversities in subgrade and structure local environment as well as traffic conditions and material conditions.
types. The following study will focus on creating a road route model Also, researches, long-term observation of the experimental roads and
family that meets the design needs for the creation of a parameterized theoretical analysis of the pavement structure are also essential. The
model. The basic development process is introduced in Fig. 2. quality of pavement design directly determines the long-term perfor-
mance and service life of this expressway. Through parametric mod-
eling of asphalt pavement, the application of BIM technology in road
design is not limited to route design, but can also reflect the pavement
design information. It has perfected and enriched the application and
development of BIM in the road industry, and has laid the foundation
for further integration of BIM technology and structural analysis.
3
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
Fig. 3. Model process of typical asphalt pavement structure on the BIM platform.
4
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
Firstly, the composite parameters of pavement structure were de- project starts in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and ends in
termined based on actual design information and were then modeled by Sihanoukville, Cambodia's largest trading port (see in Fig. 8). Due to the
the Revit software. To simplify the model and facilitate the calculation raised awareness and utilisation of BIM technology, and especially
of the later structure, only a representative section of the embankment given that some traditional methods are unable to accommodate, ap-
was selected here. Afterward, the parameterized model of the Beijing- plication of BIM on this project is necessary and extremely valuable.
Shanghai Expressway asphalt pavement was exported by the PDST
plug-in (PDST is a plug-in developed based on the three-dimensional 4.2. BIM uses in design stage and pavement structure modeling
model plot and calculation of the Revit structure) as a SAP2000 file.
The YJK has the capability to import SAP2000 format files and .INP This project consisted of a four-lane highway with approximately
format files into the software ABAQUS. Therefore, by means of transit 190 km in length, with pavement structure presented in Fig. 9. The
ports of the YJK software, the parameterized pavement model in BIM utilized BIM tools for modeling were Autodesk Civil 3D and Revit, and
can be introduced into the ABAQUS for further structural analysis. Infraworks.
The BIM was adopted by the project from the initial design of road
3.4. Structure calculation of typical pavement based on ABAQUS geometry and modeling of pavement structure. As presented in Fig. 9,
the process of pavement modeling was firstly carried out by Revit.
Based on the created parameterized model and data conversion According to the method described in Section 2.2.3, the modeling
interface, the BIM-ABAQUS conversion interface was used to transform process of pavement structure based on BIM is composed of three main
the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway semi-rigid base pavement model, complementary steps (Figs. 10–12) and detailed below.
which was then introduced into the ABAQUS software for structural
calculation. The verification process and the results are shown in Fig. 7. Step 1: Basic route modeling by Dynamo and Civil 3D
As shown in Fig. 7, this interface can effectively realize the data
transfer between the BIM model and ABAQUS software, which enables In the design phase, route modeling is the foundation work and has
ABAQUS's powerful structural calculation function to serve perfectly for been well developed in BIM. However, most 3D road models rarely
BIM software. Three parameters including vertical compressive strain, involve pavement layers and the corresponding structural analysis.
Mises stress and tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt layer were cal- That is majorly due to the fact that the application of BIM in road en-
culated in this study. Permanent deformation of AC layer was not gineering is still in its infancy stage, and it is only used for the pre-
analyzed because the calculation in ABAQUS is much more compli- sentation of 3D models. In this study, the traditional route modeling
cated. Furthermore, the main purpose of this research is to establish the method by Civil 3D was used which has developed a perfect and con-
relation between BIM and ABAQUS and to complement BIM in terms of venient route design module. Next, the structural design of a typical
structural calculation. asphalt pavement will be implemented in Revit based on this completed
route design.
4. Case study: expressway from Phnom Penh to Sihonoukville
Step 2: Pavement structure modeling by Revit
4.1. Background of case project
With the application of the proposed framework in Section 2, the
The adoption of BIM has heightened since the govement of China's pavement structure modeling process should be based on the project-
Housing Construction announced in 2017 that all construction projects related information in Fig. 9. As both of them are semi-rigid base pa-
are to be delivered utilsing BIM, especially in 3D [40]. As one of the vement, so that it is only need to adjust the corresponding parameters
China B&R Project, the Phnom Penh-West Halluk Highway Expressway of the typical asphalt pavement structure proposed by Section 2. In
5
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
6
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
Base: Graded crushed stone(16cm) To ensure the model with a real and visual display, an Infraworks
equipment metamodel was proposed (Fig. 12). As an important part of
Subbase: Cement stabilized macadam BIM software, the Infraworks is famous for conceptualize, optimize and
(32cm)
generate visual effects for construction projects in the context of the
Fig. 9. The type of pavement structure. natural environment. Otherwise, it includes input devices and output
devices which facilitate the interaction with other BIM software. The
main type of input device is the button of adding the parameter model.
addition, the foundation model of roadbed and other ancillary facilities
By using this function, the model established above can be smoothly
should be established. After completing the structural design of a ty-
imported into Inforworks but should with FBI file format.
pical asphalt pavement, material properties are assigned for each layer.
The route design, pavement structure modeling, and model display
Finally, the finished model is exported as FBI file format by Revit.
were developed from 2D to 3D. This project was undertaken through
packages of Autodesk software, providing a clear picture and
7
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
8
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
As the structure calculation was one of the key processes during the
road design, the data from the BIM model should be integrated with 5. Conclusion
structural analysis software for having analytical reliability and effec-
tiveness in complying with required engineering specifications for de- The application of the BIM technology has being developed quickly
sign of highway asphalt pavement [41]. Therefore, based on the model gathered momentum for its promise of structure, organization and ef-
building in the previous section and the transformation interface pro- ficiency of the work processes and tools. The most mature stages are
posed in this paper, the finite element analysis of the designed pave- composed of design, construction management and building energy
ment structure was carried out (Figs. 13–15). conservation. However, during the design stage of road engineering, in
The fatigue life of the asphalt mixture layer is calculated according order to meet the design requirements, both the parametric design and
to Eq. (1) [42]. a real-time structural analysis of the design results is needed. During the
3.97 1.58 conventional pavement design, the construction design plan and the
1 ⎛1⎞
Nf 1 = 6.32 × 1015.96 − 0.29βka kb kT−11 ⎛ ⎞
⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ (VFA)2.72 structural analysis are two different processes. The structural analysis is
ε
⎝ a⎠ ⎝ Ea ⎠ (1) auxiliary to the design of construction plan, and is an indispensable link
3.33
to determine and guarantee the reasonability of pavement design.
1 + 0.3Ea0.43 (VFA)−0.85e 0.024ha − 5.41 ⎤ Despite useful attempts by other studies for developing a method of
kb = ⎡
⎢ 1 + e 0.024ha − 5.41 ⎥ (2) verification for the major BIM applications, especially Autodesk Revit,
⎣ ⎦
there is very limited studies to establish a conversion to integrate 3D
where,Nf1 is the fatigue cracking life of asphalt layer (equivalent axle);β
model with structural analysis. This paper specifically aimed at this
is target reliability, for highways, β = 1.65; ka is adjustment coefficient
conversion and proposed a methodology from the perspective of data
of seasonal frozen soil area, in this project, ka = 1;kb is fatigue loading
transformation in the structural analysis model. An indirect model data
mode coefficient, calculated according to Eq. (2); Ea is dynamic com-
conversion method between the BIM and the FEM software ABAQUS
pression modulus of asphalt mixture at 20 °C (MP);VFA is saturation of
was proposed, and a corresponding data conversion interface was de-
asphalt mixture (%);ha is thickness of asphalt mixture layer(mm); kT1 is
veloped.
adjustment factor of temperature.
Additionally, the parametric modeling and the structural checking
The permanent deformation of asphalt mixture layer is calculated
of semi-rigid base asphalt pavement at Beijing-Shanghai expressway
according to Eq. (3).
were taken as an example. The results showed that the data conversion
hi interface can effectively transfer data to the BIM model. It provides a
Rai = 2.31 × 10−8kRi Tref 2.93pi1.80 Ne30.48 R 0i
h0 (3) technical reference for study of integration and sharing of data in-
formation of the BIM in the structural analysis process. It strengthened
where, Rai is the permanent deformation of layer i; Tref is equivalent the BIM with the structural calculation capability, which provides
temperature of permanent deformation of asphalt layer; Ne3 is axial powerful technical support and operability for design theory with space
load cumulative times of asphalt layer permanent deformation; h0,R0i is design. Meanwhile, it effectively solves the information isolation issue
the thickness of rutting plate and its deformation under standard con- in the calculation and analysis process of asphalt pavement structure,
ditions. The calculation results are shown in Table 2 and Table 3. which in turn minimizes the uncertainty factors in the road design
As shown in the above tables, the fatigue life of the asphalt layer is process.
106 million equivalent single-axle loads (ESALs). However, the
Table 3
Calculated vertical compressive stress and delamination permanent deformation of layered top surface.
Layer Comprehensive correction Vertical compressive stress Layer thickness Rutting thickness Deformation of rutting Permanent deformation per
factor kRi (MPa) (mm) (mm) plate(mm) layer(mm)
9
F. Tang, et al. Automation in Construction 111 (2020) 103066
10