Analysis on the Influence of Dowel Bar at Joints on Load Stress of Pavement Slab in the Pumping Area

Abstract

A 3D finite element model is used to investigate the state of load stress developed in concrete pavement with dowel bar under the effect of typical pavement damages of pumping area of slab corner and pumping area of transverse joints edge. The results indicate that slab corner stress tends to decrease with the increase of slab thickness and possesses a nonlinear growth as pumping area increases; when the pumping area of slab corner is less than 1.5m×1.5m, the maximum pavement slab tensile stress is less than or close to the load stress in critical loading position. Stress in transverse joints edge also grows in a nonlinear tendency and axle load also grows gradually with the expansion of pumping area, of which the slope of the curve in the relationship between stress and void size is much greater. Whether it is a pumping area of slab corner or pumping area of transverse joints edge, pavement slab deformation and stress are significantly reduced after setting the dowel bar. Therefore, dowel bar can improve the stress state of concrete pavement obviously.