Effect of Base Parameters and Interface Contact Status on the Mechanical Characteristics of the Concrete Pavement Slabs

Three-dimensional structure model on a Winkler foundation considering inter-layer contact status was established. The effect that base modulus, thickness, and interface contact status between a slab and base on maximum stress of the slab bottom and base bottom, shear stress between a slab and base, and warping of the slab was calculated. The results showed that interface contact status had a great influence on slab stress and warping. Maximum stress of the slab bottom dropped while bonding status decreased and slab warping increased, while bonding status weakened. Base modulus was the primary factor for base stress. Maximum stress of the base bottom increased while modulus increased, and decreased while bonding status weakened. Interface shear stress occurred mainly at the slab’s edge, and decreased while the bonding status weakened, and had almost no correlation to base modulus and thickness.