Cellular Rigid Pavement

Abstract

A construction method for rigid pavement utilizing waste plastic for forms to create cells is analyzed for stress resulting from application of a standard highway equivalent single axle load (ESAL). The finite-element method is used. The analysis parametrically studied varying slab, base, subbase, and subgrade thickness and elastic properties and two different tire pressures. Stresses are compared to those in a solid slab under the same loading conditions. Although the stresses in the cellular rigid pavement are higher than in the solid slab, the maximum principal stresses are shown to be within a range that would allow the use of this method for rigid pavement construction. Depending on requirements for load resistance and fatigue criteria, significant savings of material and cost can result. The method reduces material use and the energy required to produce it by approximately 25 and reuses waste product. The construction method is also applicable to parking areas, walks, revetments, canal linings, floor slabs-on-grade, and similar construction.