The General Solution for a Slab Subjected to Centre and Edge Loads and Resting on a Kerr Foundation

Abstract

In this paper, the general analytical solution of a concrete slab subjected to interior and edge loads is presented. In the mathematical derivation of the closed form analytical solution, we consider the pavement slab as a thin plate resting on a Kerr foundation. Kerr's solutions are a general differential equation expressing the equilibrium of a slab on a subgrade characterised by means of three soil parameters. The effects of transverse shear deformation and the interlocking action of slab and subgrade are considered in calculating the load-induced stresses in concrete slabs. A set of coherent boundary conditions without unnecessary constraints and capable of solving all possible cases is presented. The presented solution provides the means to determine any stress or deflection at any distance from an interior or edge load.