Finite element modeling of mechanical responses of concrete pavement with partial depth repair

Abstract

Partial depth repair (PDR) is usually used to repair surface distresses of concrete pavement. The mechanical property of patch material was mainly considered when selection the patch material. However, the stress state in the patch material or surrounding concrete varies depending on patch location and depth. This study aims to evaluate mechanical responses of PDR patch in concrete pavement under moving traffic loading using finite element modeling. The FE model was first validated using field test results reported in the literature. Totally seven different patching materials, three different patching locations, and two different patching depths were considered in the analysis. The critical tensile stresses in the patch and the surrounding concrete under moving tire loading were analyzed for each case. The analysis results show that for PDR patch in the middle of concrete slab, the maximum tensile stress in the thicker PDR patches is greater than that in the thinner ones. For PDR patch in the corner of concrete slab, the tensile stress can be found not only at the bottom of slab and patches, but also at the surface of slab and patches. When low modulus patch material is used, the tensile stress at the bottom of slab with the thinner PDR patch is smaller. On the other hand, the tensile stress at the bottom of slab with thicker PDR patch is smaller when high modulus patch material is used. Based on analysis results, recommendations for selection of patching material were made for repairing concrete pavement at different locations. The study findings can help select appropriate material for PDR of concrete pavement for different patch locations and depths.