Optimization of parameters affecting horizontal cracking in continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP)

Abstract

Field evaluation of distresses in continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) indicated punch-out distress associated with horizontal cracking at the depth of the longitudinal steel is the most severe performance problem in CRCP. The developed 3-D model was used to perform a parametric analysis to determine the effects of critical loading location, concrete properties, and longitudinal steel design on horizontal cracking potential. The maximum vertical tensile stresses in the concrete were slightly affected by the coefficient of thermal expansion of the concrete. The critical tensile stresses in the concrete were observed to decrease as the base modulus, slab–base friction, slab thickness, and transverse crack spacing increase. The vertical tensile stresses significantly decreased when the longitudinal steel spacing decreased. The use of varying longitudinal steel spacing and reducing the depth of steel may be one of the ways to reduce the horizontal cracking potential without changing the steel ratio of the slab.