Abstract

Concrete pavements face various types of distresses such as longitudinal, transverse, and joint cracking due to traffic loading and thermal stresses. The objective of this investigation was to develop Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Models (3D-FEM) to assess the performance of dowel in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP).

Finite-element modeling is a powerful tool that can be used for the simulation of the structural response of pavements under the effects of different loading condition. Most of the previous studies ignored important factors, including the combined effect of dynamic axle loads and thermal gradient. Overcoming the shortcomings of the previous studies, this study investigated the pavement response under the effect of some model parameters. The result of the study was verified by a comparison with field measurements. Results also showed that the combined negative gradient and axle loads located at the transverse joint subject the top of mid-slab, to high tensile stress that may explain the initiation of top-down cracks. These stresses increase under corner loading when the slab length is increased. In general, the study presented that the developed 3D-FEM is suitable for identifying the effect of different design features including pavement geometry, material properties, thermal gradients, and axle load and configuration on the structural response of rigid pavements.

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