Abstract
New experimental data obtained from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests performed on two concrete slabs is presented. Geophones measured deflections along 8 directions, in a star-shaped configuration. The asymmetry index developed by (Díaz Flores et al. 2021) is used in order to evaluate the new set of data. The results show significant asymmetries in a 22-year-old loaded slab, while a new, freshly installed slab behaved in a virtually double-symmetric manner. A structural analysis of the new slab is performed based on Kirchhoff-Love plate theory with free-edge boundary conditions and a Winkler foundation at the bottom, again following (Díaz Flores et al. 2021). The modulus of subgrade reaction and an auxiliary surface load are used as optimisation variables. This allows for a very satisfactory reproduction of the measured deflections. From this model, a non-linear distribution of the effective modulus of subgrade reaction arises. FE simulations underline the robustness and accuracy of the used method.
Published Version
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