Desarrollo de una interfaz orientada al diseño y análisis de desempeño de pavimentos flexibles usando el lenguaje Python

Abstract

The design of flexible pavements involves processes such as: traffic analysis, material and soil studies, followed by a design methodology for the structure and its behavior (stresses & deformations) under loads and environmental conditions. These processes are complex to perform manually due to the time involved, the designer’s susceptibility to errors, and the currently available programs have complex and costly interfaces that are difficult to use and comprehend. This work focuses on developing and validating a software that operates with parameters representative of site conditions for road construction, in order to establish a design alternative. The program PRO-PAVE com- prises a graphical user interface (GUI) developed in Python consisting of four modules: ”Traffic”, ”Materials”, ”Flexible Pavement Design (AASHTO)” and ”Structural Analysis”. Additionally, it is verified that the program provides adequate results through a simula- tion with data from a road study conducted by the Provincial Government of Loja, Ecuador. Furthermore, the results of the structural analysis of the designed pavement are compared with those obtained from a simulation in the KENPAVE software (Univer- sity of Kentucky). After running the program, it’s compatibility with the procedures of Public Institutions in road projects was confirmed, with results varying up to a maximum of 5% compared to the road study, depending on the consideration of para- meters. Based on the above, the program becomes an effective tool for the design and distress analysis of flexible pavements.