Three-Slab Model for Concrete Pavements

Abstract

This paper derives an analytical solution for a three-slab system resting on a Pasternak foundation. Joint transfer between slabs is considered in the analysis. The basic equations are based on Reissner's thick-plate theory, and modified to include the Pasternak foundation model. The transverse shear deformation in the slabs and the transverse connection in the foundation are considered in the three-thick-plate model. The solution of the three-thick-plate system are arrived at by considering the solutions of three elemental plates, one with four “guided support” edges and two with two “guided support” edges and two free edges. For each slab of the three-slab system, its solution is obtained by superposing the solutions of appropriate elemental plates. The central slab can be represented by superposing three elemental thick plates, while the two-edge slabs by four-elemental-thick plates each. The derived solutions were verified using numerical examples against solutions by finite-element methods.