Experimental Verification of Rigid Pavement Joint Load Transfer Modeling with EverFE

Abstract

The joint load transfer modeling capabilities of EverFE, a recently developed rigid pavement three-dimensional finite element analysis tool, are verified through comparisons with available experimental data. Dowel joint load transfer is examined via comparison of displacements predicted by EverFE with results from laboratory tests of two small-scale doweled pavement systems, and dowel looseness is shown to be a probable cause for experimentally observed differential joint displacements. Results of finite element analyses using EverFE’s nonlinear, two-phase aggregate interlock constitutive model are shown to agree well with available experimental data. A parametric study is performed that examines the effect of joint opening on aggregate inter-lock load transfer and illustrates the importance of considering nonlinearities in joint load transfer when predicting pavement response. Recommendations for future research on joint load transfer modeling are also discussed.