Finite-Element Model Approach to Determine Support Conditions and Effective Layout for Concrete Block Paving
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 11
Abstract
Concrete block paving (CBP) is one of the predominant road construction methods used in most of the developing counties due to its economic adaptability. It has emerged as a cost-effective road construction method suitable for different ground conditions but this has yet to be developed as a full fledged technique because of the dearth of technical expertise and knowledge. The aim of this research is to evaluate the state of support conditions and to discover effective patterns which can be used to improve concrete block paving technology. Development of a laboratory scale CBP model and evaluation of support conditions were mainly considered in the initial stage of this study. A developed laboratory scale CBP model was used to measure deflection basin with four different load arrangements. A three-dimensional finite-element model was built to measure elastic deflection behavior of concrete block pavement with SAP2000 structural analysis software. This finite-element model was used to simulate field conditions of a concrete block pavement and it was verified with the deflection values observed in a laboratory scale model. The verified analytical model has been used to perform a parametric study in order to determine necessary improvements for weaker support conditions and find effective laying arrangement in the concrete block paving. Developed design charts and field observations can be used to propose subgrade improvement methods for weaker support conditions. The writers recommend concrete block laying work for low volume roads with subgrade strength higher than 10% CBR. The results indicate that herringbone bond pattern performed well under effect of vertical loading and breaking action. It has the capability to develop better interlocking action in CBP work.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
Abril, J. M., Carrascon, S., Irastorza, L., and Josa, A. (1994). “A manual for concrete block pavement design.” Proc., Concrete Block Pavement 2nd Int. Workshop, Oslo, Norway, 141–148.
Algin, H. M. (2007). “Inter locking mechanism of concrete block pavements.” J. Transp. Eng., 133(5), 318–326.
ASTM. (2005). “Standard test methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils.” D4318, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2006). “Standard practice for classification of soils for engineering purposes (Unified Soil Classification System).” D2487, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2007a). “Standard test method for density and unit weight of soil in place by the sand-cone method.” D1556, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2007b). “Standard test methods for laboratory compaction characteristics of soil using standard effort ( ).” D698, West Conshohocken, Pa.
Barber, S. D., and Knapton, J. (1980). “An experiment investigation of the behavior of a concrete block pavement with a sand sub-base.” Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng., 69(1), 139–155.
British Standards Institution (BSI). (1993). “Precast concrete paving blocks.” BS 6717, London.
Computers and Structures, Inc. (2002). “SAP2000 integrated software for structural analysis and design.” SAP2000 analysis reference manual, Berkeley, Calif.
Concrete Manufacturing Association. (2004). Concrete block paving book 1, 2, 3, 4, Concrete Manufacturing Association, Midrand, South Africa.
Frank, B. (1994). “Edge restrain for segmental concrete block pavement.” Proc., Concrete Block Pavement 2nd Int. Workshop, Oslo, Norway, 281–287.
Gunarathna, W. P. H. (2009). “Finite element model approach to determine an effective layout and support conditions for concrete block paving.” MS thesis, Univ. of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Jacobs, M. M. J., and Houben, L. J. M. (1988). “Wheel track testing and finite element analysis of concrete block pavement.” Proc., 3rd Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, Pavitalia, Rome, 102–113.
Knapton, J. (1976). “The design of concrete block roads.” Technical Rep. No. 42.515, Cement and Concrete Association, Wexham Springs, U.K.
Miura, Y., Takaura, M., and Tsuda, T. (1984). “Structural design of concrete block pavements by CBR method and its evaluation.” Proc., 2nd Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, Delft Univ. of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands, 152–157.
Nejad, F. M. (2003). “Finite element analysis on concrete block paving.” Proc., 7th Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, Document Transformation Technology, Sun City, South Africa.
Nejad, F. M., and Shadravan, M. R. (2006). “A study on behavior of block pavement using 3D finite element method.” Proc., 8th Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, San Francisco Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, San Francisco, 349–358.
Panda, B. C., and Ghosh, A. K. (2002a). “Structural behavior of concrete block paving I: Sand in bed joints.” J. Transp. Eng., 128(2), 123–129.
Panda, B. C., and Ghosh, A. K. (2002b). “Structural behavior of concrete block paving II: Concrete blocks.” J. Transp. Eng., 128(2), 130–135.
Risser, R. J., Lahue, S. P., Voigt, G. F., and Mack, J. W. (1993). “Ultra-thin concrete overlays on existing asphalt pavement.” Proc., 5th Int. Conf. on Concrete Pavement Design and Rehabilitation, TRB, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, Ind., 247–254.
Shackel, B. (1980). “The performance of interlocking block pavements under accelerated trafficking.” Proc., 1st Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K., 113–120.
Shackel, B. (2003). “The challenges of concrete block paving as a mature technology.” Proc., Pave Africa 2003 7th Int. Conf. on Concrete Block Paving, Sun City, South Africa.
Shackel, B., O’Keeffe, W., and O’Keeffe, L. (1993). “Concrete block paving tested as articulated slabs.” Proc., 5th Int. Conf. on Concrete Pavement Design and Rehabilitation, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, Ind., 89–95.
Sri Lanka Institute of Construction and Training Development. (2008). Standard specification for construction and maintenance of road and bridges (SSCM), Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Tsohos, G. H., and Iliou, N. E. (1994). “Design of concrete block pavements.” Proc., Concrete Block Pavement 2nd Int. Workshop, Oslo, Norway, 149–154.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 22 • Issue 11 • November 2010
Pages: 1139 - 1147
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 9, 2009
Accepted: Apr 2, 2010
Published online: May 8, 2010
Published in print: Nov 2010
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.