Structural Analysis of Concrete Pavement Systems

Performance of concrete pavements is controlled by the behavior and performance of the jointing system used, especially the performance and load transfer efficiency of the joint. A finite-element program is presented that includes the analysis of slabs with various joint systems in PCC pavements. Dowelled joints, joints with aggregate interlock, and joints with various types of load transfer schemes can be taken into account during the analysis of the slab under load rather than analyzing the slab and joint systems separately and superimposing the results. The program described is also capable of analyzing slabs comprised of two layers with different material properties, either bonded together or unbonded. Slab thickness, slab modulus values, and subgrade support values can each be varied at each node point in the program to evaluate jointed slabs of nonuniform stiffness and nonuniform support.