Three-dimensional finite element analysis of concrete pavement on weak foundation

Abstract

Essential modern transportation systems together with the high demand for sustainable pavements under applied vehicular loading have led to a great deal of research worldwide of concrete pavements. Despite progressive knowledge of concrete pavement behaviour under applied loads, concrete pavements are still subject to deterioration due to crack initiation and propagation, indicating the need for further research. Cracks can be related to fatigue of concrete or erosion of materials in sub-layers. Transverse joints in concrete pavements are the locations where most pavement distress appears, leading to deterioration of the riding quality and featuring high maintenance cost. The state of stresses in the concrete surrounding dowel bars, in dowel jointed concrete pavements, are a major factor that contribute to transverse joint distress. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model is developed in this study for analysing a dowel-jointed concrete pavement. The effects of different pavement and joint related parameters on the load transfer characteristics of a joint have been evaluated using the 3D finite element model. The numerical results from FE modelling are validated with classical analytical solutions of shear and moment along the dowel. Five loading cases are applied in the model to replicate realistic vehicular loadings approaching and leaving the joint. Group action of the dowel bar system has also been examined.