Comparative Analyses of Rigid Pavements

Abstract

Stress conditions in concrete pavements were analyzed using the finite element method for slabs on liquid and elastic subgrades. The study consisted of the following parts: (1) The effect of the efficiency of load transfer across the joints; (2) the loading positions that produce the most critical stress and deflection conditions in the pavement; (3) the effect of temperature warping and gaps under the pavement; (4) the nonlinear effect due to the partial contact between the slabs and the supporting subgrade; (5) the stress conditions in the continuously reinforced concrete pavements; and (6) stress and deflection basins in the concrete slabs and the subgrade contact pressures. Implications of the computed results on pavement designs are discussed.