SummaryConsiderable knowledge of pavement behaviour under static loads is available world-wide. The behaviour of concrete pavements under dynamic loads, however, has not received much attention and hence is not well understood at present. To address this need, a 3D finite element analysis using diverse axle groups with different speeds from 2 km/h to 110 km/h has been performed. Two pavement types namely, jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) and jointed reinforced concrete pavement (JRCP) are investigated. Maximum dynamic tensile stresses and deflections influence lines are presented to demonstrate the pavement response, and calibrated against existing results. Critical speed and dynamic amplification are also determined as well as critical location of fatigue cracking. Results indicate that dynamic analysis is essential for pavement design, particularly for JPCP.
Structural response of concrete pavements is influenced by the position of the axle loads and if critical load positions are not considered in concrete pavement analysis, the design may be inadequate and lead to early failure of the pavement. Whilst there has been a great deal of research conducted on concrete pavement performance and deterioration under vehicular loads and environmental forces, there is a lack of adequate information on effects of vehicular load positions on pavement responses.Critical positions of different axle groups in uncurled and curled jointed concrete pavement with different configurations were determined in the current study. Results indicate that structural performance of concrete pavements is significantly affected by boundary conditions between concrete slab and base. Corner loading was found to be critical in bonded concrete pavement. Corner loading is also critical when a separation occurs between unbonded concrete slab and base. Furthermore, the benefits offered by unbonded boundary condition cease at a certain differential temperature. Hence, a particular care needs to be considered in projects constructed in extremes of heat or cold. In presence of high differential temperature together with axle loading, joint faulting in unreinforced concrete pavements is affected by concrete slab thickness.
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