Modern Design of Concrete Pavements

Traffic studies on modern pavements and stress analysis with influence charts show that the critical stress location has changed from outside edges and corners to transverse joint edges. Design charts for the critical transverse edge stresses are presented and their use is shown in a design problem. Analysis of restrained contraction and warping stresses shows that these stresses do not influence thickness design. The new procedure reflects review of past and current fatigue research. The review justifies continued use of an endurance limit for concrete and a revised fatigue curve. Methods are presented for estimating total traffic, truck traffic, and the single and tandem axle loads needed for design. A comparison of alternate designs shows how the new procedure can be used to get low annual costs.