Unbound granular materials (UGMs) used in the base and sub-base layers of flexible pavements play a significant role in the overall performance of the structure. Proper understanding and characterization of the deformation behaviour of UGMs in pavement structures are, therefore, vital for the design and maintenance of flexible pavements. In this study, the resilient deformation (RD) and the permanent deformation (PD) behaviour of UGMs were investigated for the better understanding and improved modelling of these deformation characteristics. The study is based on a series of repeated-load triaxial (RLT) tests carried out on several UGMs commonly used in pavement structures. Here, the influences of stress level and moisture content - two of the most significant factors affecting the deformation behaviour of UGMs - were analysed. The effects of the grain size distribution and the degree of compaction were also considered. The study on the RD behaviour indicated that the resilient stiffness (MR)of UGMs increases with the increased bulk stress level, which can be satisfactorily described by the k-θ model. Moisture was found to negatively impact the MR as long as the deformation was mostly resilient with a negligible amount of accumulated PD. Analysis of the influence of moisture on the parameters k1 and k2 of the k-θ model showed that k1 decreases with increased moisture and k2 is relatively insensitive to moisture. Based on these observations, a simple model was developed for the impact of moisture on MR. The performance of this model was comparable to an existing moisture dependent MR model. In contrast, it was further observed that at the later stages of the RLT tests, after a relatively large number of load applications, the MR increased with increased moisture up to the optimum moisture content. This occurred when the RD was accompanied by a significant amount of PD. Further investigation suggested that moisture aided the post-compaction (PC) and possible particle rearrangement that resulted in the increased PD and increased MR. In this case k1 decreased, whereas k2 increased, with increased moisture. The existing MR-moisture model did not work for this behaviour. This suggests that the effect of PC on MRshould be considered in modelling. However, although not explored in this study, it may be possible to simulate this effect of increase in MR with increased moisture due to PC using the proposed model if k2 is expressed as a function of moisture. The PD characteristics of UGMs were investigated based on the multistage (MS) RLT test. In contrast with the single stage (SS) RLT test, the MS RLT test accounts for the effect of stress history and enables a comprehensive study of the material behaviour under cyclic stresses of various magnitudes. Since the existing PD models cannot be directly applied for the MS loading procedure, a general formulation based on the time hardening concept was derived that can be used to extend the models for the MS loading conditions. Based on this formulation, some of the current models were calibrated and their performance in predicting the PD behaviour in MS RLT tests was compared. The investigation regarding the impact of moisture on PD showed that moisture significantly increases the accumulation of PD. Generally, materials with finer grading showed more sensitivity to moisture with regards to both PD and RD. To characterize the impact of moisture, moisture sensitivity of different grain size distributions and the impact of the degree of compaction on PD with reduced effort, a simple model was proposed. Unlike some of the well-performing existing models, this model can be calibrated using a single MS RLT test without requiring any separate static failure triaxial tests. This model was validated using the MS RLT test data with satisfactory results. The sensitivity of the parameters of this model was studied with respect to moisture content, degree of compaction and grain size distribution. Some reasonable trends for the sensitivity of the parameters to these influential factors were obtained, which suggests that these may be further developed to incorporate into the model. / <p>QC 20150325</p>

O conhecimento do módulo de resiliência dos materiais constituintes do pavimento e do seu subleito é indispensável quando o objetivo é projetá-lo, ou analisar o seu comportamento frente à solicitação das cargas rodoviárias. O módulo de resiliência é determinado, na maioria das vezes, a partir de resultados de ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos, que exigem equipamentos complexos para a sua realização. Assim, é desejável que se disponha de métodos que possibilitem a sua avaliação a partir de resultados de ensaios mais simples. Neste trabalho, foram realizados ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos para a determinação do módulo de resiliência de dois solos, um argiloso e outro arenoso fino, compactados nas energias normal e intermediária. A partir dos resultados dos ensaios cíclicos foi possível modelar a variação do módulo de resiliência com a variação do carregamento aplicado e identificar, entre as variáveis de tensão, aquelas que exercem maior influência no valor deste módulo. A existência de discrepâncias significativas entre os valores de módulo de resiliência obtidos a partir de sucessivos ensaios de um mesmo corpo-de-prova foi também investigada. Finalmente, analisou-se a existência de uma relação entre o módulo de resiliência obtido nos ensaios dinâmicos e o módulo tangente inicial proveniente de ensaios de compressão simples, sob diversos níveis de tensão. Os resultados mostram que este tipo de associação é promissora, mas exige-se que o universo dos solos estudados seja ampliado para que se estabeleça uma conclusão definitiva. / The knowledge about the resilient modulus of the pavement constituent materials and subgrade is essential in order to design or to analyze theirs behavior subjected to traffic loading. Often, the resilient modulus is obtained from repeated load triaxial tests demanding complex equipment for their execution. Thus, is desirable to develop methods to permit its evaluation from more simple tests. In this work, repeated load triaxial tests are carried out to the determination of the resilient modulus of two soils, a clay and a fine sand, compacted in the normal and intermediate AASHTO compretion efforts. From the repeated load triaxial test data it was possible to model the variation of resilient modulus with the variation of applied loading as wellos to identify, among the stress parameters, those of more influence on the value of this modulus. The significant discrepancy among the resilient modulus values obtained from successive tests in the same sample was also investigated. Finally, equations were developed in order to correlata the resilient modulus from repeated load triaxial tests to parameters from compressive strength tests, considering different states of stress. lt was shown that this type of empirical correlation presented satisfactory results, although incisiva conclusions could not be drawn without using a lager number and variety of soils.

O conhecimento do módulo de resiliência (MR) é fundamental ao se projetar um pavimento, pois ele é necessário para o cálculo de tensões, deformações e deflexões nas suas camadas e subleito, bem como, a análise do desempenho do sistema. Embora ensaios de campo possam ser empregados para se determinar o MR, a grande maioria das pesquisas nesse sentido são desenvolvidas em laboratório, onde é possível um maior controle das condições da amostra, da aplicação de carregamento e medida dos deslocamentos. Porém, pela complexidade e alto custo dos ensaios de laboratório, há a necessidade de pesquisas que disponibilizem expressões que permitam estimar o MR a partir de resultados de ensaios mais simples que o triaxial cíclico e usuais na pavimentação. Nesta pesquisa, foram realizados ensaios triaxiais cíclicos para a determinação do MR de três solos empregados em rodovias de Campo Grande - MS. A partir dos resultados dos ensaios triaxiais cíclicos, verificou-se o desempenho dos modelos mais comumente empregados para se representar a variação do módulo de resiliência em função do estado de tensão. Foram propostas e analisadas expressões matemáticas entre o MR obtido a partir dos ensaios triaxiais cíclicos e o módulo tangente inicial proveniente de ensaios de compressão simples, sob diversos níveis de tensão. Finalmente, analisou-se a existência de relações que englobem, além dos solos estudados nesta pesquisa, os solos estudados anteriormente em outras pesquisas desenvolvidas na EESC-USP. Os resultados mostram que este tipo de associação é promissora, mas exige-se que o universo de solos estudados seja ampliado para que se estabeleça uma inferência decisiva. / The resilient modulus knowledge (MR) is fundamental for pavement design, once it is necessary for stresses, strains and deflections calculus in its layers and subgrade, as well as, the analysis of system performance. Although field tests may be used to determine the dynamic behavior of soils, most of researchers favor laboratory tests, based on the fact that such tests are less constrained because of their carefully controlled conditions. Because laboratory procedures are considered complex and highly expensive, it is desirable to establish relationships among MR and other index properties that are relatively simple and usual in pavement construction. In this research, cyclic triaxial tests were performed to determine MR of three soils used in Campo Grande-MS roads. The performance of the models most commonly adopted to represent resilient modulus as a function of state of stress were verified. A mathematical expression among MR, obtained from the cyclic triaxial tests, and the initial tangent modulus, obtained from unconfined compression strength tests, were developed considering different states of stress. Finally, were analyzed the existence of relationships among soils studied in this research, and soils used in previous studies developed at EESC-USP. Results show that this type of empirical correlation presents a satisfactory results, however incisive conclusions cannot be taken without a large number and variety of soils.

O conhecimento do módulo de resiliência (MR) é fundamental ao se projetar um pavimento, pois ele é necessário para o cálculo de tensões, deformações e deflexões nas suas camadas e subleito, bem como, a análise do desempenho do sistema. Embora ensaios de campo possam ser empregados para se determinar o MR, a grande maioria das pesquisas nesse sentido são desenvolvidas em laboratório, onde é possível um maior controle das condições da amostra, da aplicação de carregamento e medida dos deslocamentos. Porém, pela complexidade e alto custo dos ensaios de laboratório, há a necessidade de pesquisas que disponibilizem expressões que permitam estimar o MR a partir de resultados de ensaios mais simples que o triaxial cíclico e usuais na pavimentação. Nesta pesquisa, foram realizados ensaios triaxiais cíclicos para a determinação do MR de três solos empregados em rodovias de Campo Grande - MS. A partir dos resultados dos ensaios triaxiais cíclicos, verificou-se o desempenho dos modelos mais comumente empregados para se representar a variação do módulo de resiliência em função do estado de tensão. Foram propostas e analisadas expressões matemáticas entre o MR obtido a partir dos ensaios triaxiais cíclicos e o módulo tangente inicial proveniente de ensaios de compressão simples, sob diversos níveis de tensão. Finalmente, analisou-se a existência de relações que englobem, além dos solos estudados nesta pesquisa, os solos estudados anteriormente em outras pesquisas desenvolvidas na EESC-USP. Os resultados mostram que este tipo de associação é promissora, mas exige-se que o universo de solos estudados seja ampliado para que se estabeleça uma inferência decisiva. / The resilient modulus knowledge (MR) is fundamental for pavement design, once it is necessary for stresses, strains and deflections calculus in its layers and subgrade, as well as, the analysis of system performance. Although field tests may be used to determine the dynamic behavior of soils, most of researchers favor laboratory tests, based on the fact that such tests are less constrained because of their carefully controlled conditions. Because laboratory procedures are considered complex and highly expensive, it is desirable to establish relationships among MR and other index properties that are relatively simple and usual in pavement construction. In this research, cyclic triaxial tests were performed to determine MR of three soils used in Campo Grande-MS roads. The performance of the models most commonly adopted to represent resilient modulus as a function of state of stress were verified. A mathematical expression among MR, obtained from the cyclic triaxial tests, and the initial tangent modulus, obtained from unconfined compression strength tests, were developed considering different states of stress. Finally, were analyzed the existence of relationships among soils studied in this research, and soils used in previous studies developed at EESC-USP. Results show that this type of empirical correlation presents a satisfactory results, however incisive conclusions cannot be taken without a large number and variety of soils.

O conhecimento do módulo de resiliência dos materiais constituintes do pavimento e do seu subleito é indispensável quando o objetivo é projetá-lo, ou analisar o seu comportamento frente à solicitação das cargas rodoviárias. O módulo de resiliência é determinado, na maioria das vezes, a partir de resultados de ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos, que exigem equipamentos complexos para a sua realização. Assim, é desejável que se disponha de métodos que possibilitem a sua avaliação a partir de resultados de ensaios mais simples. Neste trabalho, foram realizados ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos para a determinação do módulo de resiliência de dois solos, um argiloso e outro arenoso fino, compactados nas energias normal e intermediária. A partir dos resultados dos ensaios cíclicos foi possível modelar a variação do módulo de resiliência com a variação do carregamento aplicado e identificar, entre as variáveis de tensão, aquelas que exercem maior influência no valor deste módulo. A existência de discrepâncias significativas entre os valores de módulo de resiliência obtidos a partir de sucessivos ensaios de um mesmo corpo-de-prova foi também investigada. Finalmente, analisou-se a existência de uma relação entre o módulo de resiliência obtido nos ensaios dinâmicos e o módulo tangente inicial proveniente de ensaios de compressão simples, sob diversos níveis de tensão. Os resultados mostram que este tipo de associação é promissora, mas exige-se que o universo dos solos estudados seja ampliado para que se estabeleça uma conclusão definitiva. / The knowledge about the resilient modulus of the pavement constituent materials and subgrade is essential in order to design or to analyze theirs behavior subjected to traffic loading. Often, the resilient modulus is obtained from repeated load triaxial tests demanding complex equipment for their execution. Thus, is desirable to develop methods to permit its evaluation from more simple tests. In this work, repeated load triaxial tests are carried out to the determination of the resilient modulus of two soils, a clay and a fine sand, compacted in the normal and intermediate AASHTO compretion efforts. From the repeated load triaxial test data it was possible to model the variation of resilient modulus with the variation of applied loading as wellos to identify, among the stress parameters, those of more influence on the value of this modulus. The significant discrepancy among the resilient modulus values obtained from successive tests in the same sample was also investigated. Finally, equations were developed in order to correlata the resilient modulus from repeated load triaxial tests to parameters from compressive strength tests, considering different states of stress. lt was shown that this type of empirical correlation presented satisfactory results, although incisiva conclusions could not be drawn without using a lager number and variety of soils.

O módulo de resiliência é um parâmetro de crucial importância nas análises mecanísticas que envolvem a estimativa das tensões e deformações na estrutura do pavimento e no seu subleito, quando da ação do tráfego. Embora ensaios de campo possam ser empregados para se determinar o MR, a grande maioria das pesquisas nesse sentido são desenvolvidas em laboratório, onde é possível um maior controle das condições da amostra, dos sistemas de aplicação de carregamento e de medida dos deslocamentos. Entretanto, os ensaios em laboratório que visam à determinação do MR ainda são considerados especiais e exigem equipamentos relativamente complexos, ensejando portanto, pesquisas com a finalidade de se obter expressões que estimem o MR a partir de parâmetros advindos de ensaios mais simples e rotineiros. Neste trabalho foram realizados ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos para a determinação do módulo de resiliência de três solos empregados em rodovias do nordeste brasileiro. Através dos resultados de laboratório, verificou-se o desempenho dos modelos mais comumente empregados para se representar a variação do módulo de resiliência em função do estado de tensão. Observou-se para os três solos desta pesquisa, que o MR foi mais influenciado, quanto ao estado de tensão, pela tensão de confinamento e pela tensão principal maior. Analisou-se, por fim, a existência de uma expressão matemática entre o módulo de resiliência obtido a partir dos ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos e o módulo tangente inicial proveniente de ensaios de compressão simples, sob diversos níveis de tensão. Os resultados mostram que este tipo de associação é promissora, mas exige-se que o universo de solos estudados seja ampliado para que se estabeleça uma inferência decisiva. / Resilient modulus is a crucial parameter in mechanistic analysis involving the estimation of stress and strains under the pavement structure subjected to traffic loading. While field tests can be used to determine the dynamic behavior of soils, most researches favor laboratory tests. Such preference is based on the fact that laboratory tests are less constrained because of their carefully controlled conditions. Unfortunately these tests are still unusual due to relative complex equipment, therefore researches involving the correlation of resilient modulus from repeated load triaxial tests with other test results is needed. In this work, repeated load triaxial tests were performed on three soils used in northeastern Brazilian roadways to estimate the resilient modulus. The performance of the models most commonly adopted to represent resilient modulus as a function of state of stress were verified. lt was observed for the three soils in this research, that confining stress and principal major stress influenced resilient moduli values. Predictive equations correlating the resilient modulus from repeated load triaxial tests and parameters from compressive strength tests, considering different states of stress were investigated. lt was shown that this type of empirical correlation presented satisfactory results, although incisive conclusions can\'t be drawn without a wider number and variety of soils.

O módulo de resiliência é um parâmetro de crucial importância nas análises mecanísticas que envolvem a estimativa das tensões e deformações na estrutura do pavimento e no seu subleito, quando da ação do tráfego. Embora ensaios de campo possam ser empregados para se determinar o MR, a grande maioria das pesquisas nesse sentido são desenvolvidas em laboratório, onde é possível um maior controle das condições da amostra, dos sistemas de aplicação de carregamento e de medida dos deslocamentos. Entretanto, os ensaios em laboratório que visam à determinação do MR ainda são considerados especiais e exigem equipamentos relativamente complexos, ensejando portanto, pesquisas com a finalidade de se obter expressões que estimem o MR a partir de parâmetros advindos de ensaios mais simples e rotineiros. Neste trabalho foram realizados ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos para a determinação do módulo de resiliência de três solos empregados em rodovias do nordeste brasileiro. Através dos resultados de laboratório, verificou-se o desempenho dos modelos mais comumente empregados para se representar a variação do módulo de resiliência em função do estado de tensão. Observou-se para os três solos desta pesquisa, que o MR foi mais influenciado, quanto ao estado de tensão, pela tensão de confinamento e pela tensão principal maior. Analisou-se, por fim, a existência de uma expressão matemática entre o módulo de resiliência obtido a partir dos ensaios triaxiais dinâmicos e o módulo tangente inicial proveniente de ensaios de compressão simples, sob diversos níveis de tensão. Os resultados mostram que este tipo de associação é promissora, mas exige-se que o universo de solos estudados seja ampliado para que se estabeleça uma inferência decisiva. / Resilient modulus is a crucial parameter in mechanistic analysis involving the estimation of stress and strains under the pavement structure subjected to traffic loading. While field tests can be used to determine the dynamic behavior of soils, most researches favor laboratory tests. Such preference is based on the fact that laboratory tests are less constrained because of their carefully controlled conditions. Unfortunately these tests are still unusual due to relative complex equipment, therefore researches involving the correlation of resilient modulus from repeated load triaxial tests with other test results is needed. In this work, repeated load triaxial tests were performed on three soils used in northeastern Brazilian roadways to estimate the resilient modulus. The performance of the models most commonly adopted to represent resilient modulus as a function of state of stress were verified. lt was observed for the three soils in this research, that confining stress and principal major stress influenced resilient moduli values. Predictive equations correlating the resilient modulus from repeated load triaxial tests and parameters from compressive strength tests, considering different states of stress were investigated. lt was shown that this type of empirical correlation presented satisfactory results, although incisive conclusions can\'t be drawn without a wider number and variety of soils.

The structural behaviour of pavements in cold regions can considerably be affected by seasonal variation in environmental factors such as temperature and moisture content. Along with the destructive effect of heavy traffic loads, climatic and environmental factors can considerably contribute to pavement deterioration. These factors can influence the structural and functional capacity of the pavement structures which, as a result, can trigger and accelerate pavement deterioration mechanisms. Studies on the influence of variation of the environmental factors on the response and behaviour of pavement materials have shown that proper consideration to these factors must be given in realistic pavement design and analysis. In flexible pavement structures, particularly with a thin hot mix asphalt (HMA) layer, unbound materials and subgrade soil largely contribute to the overall structural behaviour of the pavement system. In unbound materials, moisture content and its variation can significantly affect pavement layer stiffness and permanent deformation characteristics. Therefore, the moisture condition of pavements and its influence on the mechanical behaviour of pavement materials has been of interest among the pavement research community. A proper understanding of moisture transformation in pavement systems and its effects on pavement performance are important for mechanistic pavement design. The present summary of this doctoral thesis is based on four main parts. The first part of the thesis covers field measurements and findings from a test section along county road 126 in southern Sweden and consists of two journal papers (paper I and II) tackling different aspects of the research topic. This test section is located in a relatively wet ground condition and consists of a thin flexible pavement structure with a deep drainage system. It is instrumented with subsurface temperature, volumetric moisture content and groundwater probes. The mechanical response of the pavement structure was investigated using Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) measurements. The second part of the thesis (paper III and IV) are based on laboratory experiments and investigates different recent approaches that have been proposed to apply principles of unsaturated soil mechanics for incorporating seasonal variation of moisture content into the resilient modulus models using matric suction. The third part of the thesis (paper V) builds a bridge that spans between the laboratory and field investigations with an attempt to evaluate one of the predictive models presented in Paper III. The fourth part of the thesis (paper VI) mainly focuses on the laboratory-based investigation of the permanent deformation characteristic of subgrade soils. In this part, the permanent deformation characteristics of two different silty sand subgrade soils were investigated and modelled using the data obtained from repeated load traxial tests. Paper I mainly focuses on the spring-thaw weakening of the pavement structure. The environmental data collected using different sensors and the FWD tests were used to investigate variations in moisture content with thaw penetration and its influence on the stiffness of unbound layers and the pavement’s overall bearing capacity. Using the backcalculated layer stiffness and corresponding in situ moisture measurements in the unbound layers, a degree of saturation-based moisture-stiffness model was developed for the granular material and the subgrade. In Paper II, the drainage system of the structure was manually clogged during a three month period in summer to raise the groundwater level and increase the moisture content of the layers. Along with the subsurface groundwater level and moisture content monitoring, the structural response of the pavement was studied. In this research work, the FWD tests were conducted at three different load levels. The stress dependent behaviour of the unbound granular layer and the subgrade soil were further studied using the multilevel loads FWD test data. Additionally, parameters of a nonlinear stress-dependent stiffness model were backcalculated and their sensitivity to in situ moisture content was studied. In Paper III and IV, series of suction-controlled repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests were conducted on two silty sand (SM) subgrade materials. Several resilient modulus prediction models that account for seasonal moisture content variation through matric suction were summarized and after optimizing the model parameters, the capability of the prediction models in capturing the material response were evaluated. In Paper V, an attempt was made to evaluate the proficiency of one of the suction-resilient modulus models using the field moisture content and FWD measurements from the Torpsbruk test site. The backcalculated subgrade stiffness dataset at different moisture contents were compared with resilient modulus models obtained from the suction-resilient modulus predictive model. Paper VI presents an evaluation of several permanent deformation models for unbound pavement materials that incorporate the time-hardening concept using a series of multistage repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests conducted on silty sand subgrade materials. The permanent deformation tests were conducted at four different moisture contents with pore suctions measurement throughout the test. The effect of moisture content (matric suction) on the permanent deformation characteristics of the materials and the predictive model parameters were further investigated. / <p>QC 20150324</p>

Studies conducted in 2016 show that 58% of the highways in Brazil presents any deficiency in the pavement, signaling or in its geometry. These deficiencies are, on average, the cause for about 6% of the accidents and for the increase of the operational cust by 91,6%. Among them we can stress the permanent deformation, the so called wheel tracks, which is harmful to the dynamic of the loads, to the comfort provided by the pavement, increasing its risk. To the correct design of the pavement it is very important to better know the characteristics of the materials to be used. In this context, stands out the subgrade, the foundation for the whole structure of the pavement, which one is studied in the present reseach by considering three typical soils used as highway subgrade in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, and having the permanent deformations as the main focus. The metodology aplied in this work consisted in the location, sampling and characterization of the soil fields, lab tests and empirical machanistic design. Besides the physical, chemical and mechanical characterizations, it was performed the repeated triaxial load test aiming to obtain the resilient modulus and the permanent deformation parameters, according to the Brazilian Petroleum Corporation Manual (PETROBRAS). The Resilient Modulus model presented the better results with frequencies of 1 Hz and 2 Hz, and the presence of silt in one of the soils affected its resilient behaviour. The permanent deformation tests were performed with the frequency of 2 Hz and 150.000 load cicles. The average statistic correlation, according to Guimaraes (2009)´s methodology, was 0.91, bigger than the one provided by the Monismith and Barksdale´s models. However, the dominance of fine grained soils, along with low compactation energy, lead to a higher deformation rates, motivating the use of intermediate energy. With this new approach the permanent deformation was reduced 40% and the resilient modulus increased 78,8%. However, the numerical simulation according to the mechanistic approach, and using the layer thickness obtained from the Departamento Nacional de Infraestrutura de Transportes (DNIT) method, under 8,2 ton standard axle load, showed that the wheel tracks deeping would be small, based on the low stresses observed in the subgrade. On the other hand, the fatigue behaviour presented an inferior performance, reducing the project´s useful life. It was observed the presence of shakedown in the ranges A, B and C. / Pesquisas realizadas no ano de 2016 mostram que 58,2 % das rodovias de todo o país apresentam alguma deficiência no pavimento, na sinalização ou na geometria da via. Em média, esses defeitos são responsáveis por cerca de 6% do número de acidentes, além de aumentar o custo operacional das vias em até 91,6%. Dentre essas anomalias, destaca-se a deformação permanente denominada de afundamento na trilha de roda (ATR), que prejudica a dinâmica das cargas, afeta o conforto ao rolamento e causa risco à segurança. Para o adequado dimensionamento de um pavimento, é fundamental o conhecimento dos materiais que o compõem. Neste contexto, destaca-se o subleito, por ser a fundação sobre a qual são assentes todas as camadas, motivo pelo qual o objetivo geral desta pesquisa é analisar três solos típicos de subleitos rodoviários de Santa Maria, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, em especial quanto aos parâmetros de deformação permanente. A metodologia aplicada neste trabalho consistiu na localização, coleta e caracterização das jazidas de solos, realização de ensaios laboratoriais e dimensionamento mecanístico - empírico. Assim, além da caracterização física, química e mecânica, foram realizados ensaios triaxiais de cargas repetidas para obtenção do módulo de resiliência e dos parâmetros de deformação permanente, segundo recomendações do manual de execução de trechos monitorados da empresa Petróleo Brasileiro Sociedade Anônima (PETROBRAS). O modelo composto do módulo de resiliência apresentou os melhores resultados, a partir de ensaios com frequência de 1 Hz e 2 Hz, sendo que a presença de silte em um dos solos afetou seu comportamento resiliente. Os ensaios de deformação permanente foram conduzidos a 2 Hz, com 150.000 ciclos de aplicação de carga, cuja correlação estatística média, empregando a metodologia de Guimarães (2009), foi de 0,91 – superior a dos modelos de Monismith e Barksdale. Entretanto, a predominância de materiais finos, aliada à baixa energia de compactação (normal), resultaram em elevadas taxas de deformação, o que motivou o estudo de um dos solos também com uso da energia intermediária. Esse procedimento reduziu a deformação permanente em 40% e elevou o módulo de resiliência em 78,8%. Entretanto, a simulação numérica do pavimento sob a ótica mecanicista, a partir das espessuras calculadas pelo método do Departamento Nacional de Infraestrutura de Transportes (DNIT), aplicando-se a carga padrão de 8,2 toneladas, mostrou que o ATR seria pequeno, em face das baixas tensões atuantes no subleito, em contraposição ao desempenho à fadiga, que reduziu sensivelmente a vida útil de projeto. Constatouse a ocorrência de shakedown nos domínios A, B e C.

Les matériaux granulaires sont souvent utilisés dans les chaussées à faible trafic, pour la réalisation des couches d'assise non liées. L'objectif de la thèse est une meilleure compréhension du comportement hydromécanique des matériaux granulaires insaturés sous charge répétée en tenant compte des différents effets couplés: teneur en eau et teneur en fines. Une série d'essais triaxiaux à chargements répétés (TCR) est réalisée avec les différents échantillons de sable de Missillac remodelés à différentes teneurs en eau et en fines pour caractériser les comportements de déformation permanent et résilient. En outre, les courbes de rétention sont obtenues par des essais de succion. Puis, sur la base des résultats expérimentaux, les modèles de déformations permanentes et réversibles existants sont améliorés pour prendre en compte les teneurs en fines et en eau variables. Finalement, le comportement de l'état limite du sable Missillac est estimé avec les effets des teneurs en fines et en eau. / Granular materials are often used in low traffic pavement structures as unbound granular base and sub-base layers. The objective of this context is a better understanding of hydromechanical behaviour (deformation behaviour mainly) of the unsaturated granular materials under repeated loading taking into account the various coupled effects: water content and fine content. A series of RLTTs are conducted with the different remolded Missillac sand samples at different water contents and fine contents to characterize the permanent and resilient deformation behaviour. Besides, the soil water retention curves (SWRCs) are obtained by suction measurement. Then, based on the experimental results, the existing permanent and resilient deformation models are improved to accommodate to the changeable fine content and water content. In the end, the shakedown behaviour of Missillac sand is estimated with the effects of fine content and water content.