Pumping Prediction Model for Highway Concrete Pavements

Abstract

Pumping prediction models are important in the design and economic analysis of rigid pavements. A review of several pumping models, as well as the one developed by the writers, is presented in this paper. Pumping modeling is a very complex problem which involves many factors: slab properties, subbase properties, pavement properties, environmental factors, and traffic. The ideal pumping model should include all these factors. The pumping model presented here is based on field data from different sources and amount of deformation energy in the pavement structure. The volume of pumped material expressed in terms of the normalized pumping index is calculated as a function of the deformation energy produced by traffic. This volume is then adjusted to take into account the following conditions: subbase type, drainage conditions, load transfer adequacy, subgrade conditions, and climate. The model can be used in the optimal design of rigid pavements by predicting the effect of different design alternatives on the development of pumping.