Abstract
This paper describes the experimental evaluation of articulated slabs composed of concrete block paving laid and compacted within a steel frame. By testing the paving in isolation from the bedding sand, basecourse and other elements of a complete block pavement it proved feasible to study the load spreading and other structural characteristics of the pavers themselves. This provided insights into the structural behaviour of concrete block paving under load. Factors studied in the project included the effects of paver shape, laying pattern, joint width, spacer nibs and load repetition. Each of these factors was shown to significantly influence the structural capacity of the paving course. By analysing the paver performance as a quasi-elastic slab it was possible to quantify the behaviour of block paving in a form suitable for inclusion in mechanistic pavement design and analysis. Where appropriate these measures were compared with data obtained both from Accelerated Trafficking Tests and Falling Weight Deflection studies of full scale block pavements.
Published Version
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