Structural Model for Longitudinal Cracking in Bonded Whitetopping with a 1.83  m×1.83  m Joint Spacing

Abstract

Longitudinal cracking has been identified as the predominant distress in thin bonded whitetopping with a 1.83-m (6-ft) longitudinal joint spacing. However, the structural models in existing whitetopping design procedures do not address this particular mode of failure. To better predict the design stresses and therefore to provide a more accurate design, this paper develops a new structural model for predicting longitudinal cracking, which accounts for the combined effect of wheel load and temperature gradient, using one specific three-dimensional finite-element model. The model is validated by matching field deflection data from existing whitetopping sections to predicted deflections. A database is populated with this model and is used in the development of a new closed-form structural model to predict the critical stress with respect to longitudinal cracking. A sensitivity study is conducted to evaluate the new structural model.