Effect of temperature variations on mid-slab cracking in jointed concrete pavements

Title: Effect of temperature variations on mid-slab cracking in jointed concrete pavements
Author(s): S. N. Shoukry, G. W. William, M. Y. Riad
Paper category : conference
Book title: Fifth International RILEM Conference on Reflective Cracking in Pavements
Editor(s): C. Petit, I.L. Al-Qadi and A. Millien
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-47-0
e-ISBN: 2912143764
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 173 - 180
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 12
Language: English

Abstract: Dowel jointed concrete pavements exhibit premature top-down transverse cracking at mid slab leading to dramatic decrease of pavement service life. In this study, nonlinear 3D Finite Element (3DFE) analysis that includes detailed consideration of slab constraints by dowel bars is used to analyze the problem of premature transverse cracking in jointed concrete pavements. The 3DFE model response to ambient temperature variations is validated versus field-measured data obtained from West Virginia Smart Road constructed along Route 33 in West Virginia, USA. The modeling results indicate that the combination of ambient temperature drop and slab curling induces slab constraints that lead to the development of mid-slab transverse cracks. The slab length is shown to be a critical parameter that governs the magnitude of the maximum thermal stress induced at maximum mid-slab. It is shown in this paper that 4.57 m long slabs are most resistant to mid-slab cracking, a conclusion that agrees with the recent observations obtained from the analysis of LTPP.

Online publication: 2004-04-15
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00