Numerical Simulation on Cross-Tensioned Prestressed Concrete Pavement

Cross-tensioned prestressed concrete pavement (CTCP) could eliminate transverse joints and cracks. Prestressing should increase load-carrying capacity of the pavement and lower the maintenance cost. It is applicable to all levels of road surface layer, composite pavement, heavy traffic road, and the toll plaza. A calculation formula for the average compressive stress caused by prestressing was deduced first, the finite model of cross-tensioned prestressed concrete pavement was built based on finite element method, the pavement slab stress distribution caused by prestressing was analyzed, and the results are consistent with full-scale model test results. The influence of strand acting position, the angle and distance of strand, and diameter on the slab stress distribution were analyzed. The results show that it is reasonable to place the strand below the mid-depth of the slab; the compressive stress of the slab bottom is larger than that of the slab top; the strand angle of 25° to 45° is recommended; undersize layout spacing for strand is not recommended; the minimum spacing should be 50cm considering economy and the space needed for strand extension; and the oversize layout spacing is not recommended either, otherwise the slab bottom transverse tensile stress appears, causing uneven stress distribution. In the event that the calculated prestressed tendon layout spacing or the angle is undersize, diameter can be adjusted to increase road slab compressive stress.