Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the causes of top-down cracks in rubblized pavements

Title: Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the causes of top-down cracks in rubblized pavements
Author(s): T. Svasdisant, G. Baladi
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: 401 - 408
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 8
Language: English

Abstract: Rubblization of deteriorated concrete pavement and asphalt surfacing is a rehabilitation option that has been used by many highway authorities since 1988. It has been reported that top-down cracks (TDC) are the dominant distress in rubblized pavements (1 and 7). Results of filed investigation of 84 rubblized pavement projects in Michigan indicated that 61 projects exhibit longitudinal TDC of which the majority is located around the edges of the wheel paths and/or along segregated areas (1). This paper discusses the results of three-dimensional finite element (FEM) analyses that were conducted to evaluate the effects of the rubblization operation and temperature gradient in the asphalt concrete (AC) mat on the load-induced horizontal tensile stress at the pavement surface. Results of the analyses indicated that, the geometry of the interface between the rubblized material and the fractured concrete layers has significant impact on the maximum load-induced radial tensile stress at the pavement surface and hence on TDC potential. The paper shows that if the quality of the rubblization operation is jeopardized, the rubblized pavements will be more susceptible to TDC than conventional flexible pavements. Finally, the paper also shows that the TDC potential in rubblized and conventional flexible pavements increases as the negative temperature gradient within the AC layer increases.

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