Advancement in the design of pavement structures in the recent decade has brought about the use of finite element modelling (FEM) tools. Numerical simulation of flexible pavement through these models are yielding positive results and enhancing pavement design year after year. Various factors contribute to this success; yet, material characterization model in FEM is a major/critical factor. However, in using FEM, there are various material characterization input methods which are; input through laboratory testing; secondly, through correlation and lastly a backward calculation from deflection measurements. Overall, input methods are more realistic and give a better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the material, nevertheless quite difficult to obtain. Although, the use of fly-ash stabilizer in pavement structure is not new yet its use has not been fully implemented in FEM design. As a result, a comparative study is considered based on input and correlation parameters on fly ash stabilized flexible pavement using Abaqus. Furthermore, the results show that the material input method provides better results and gives some amount of certainty on the design life of the pavement.

finite element modelling; empirical design methods; material characterization; non-linear model