Experimental Verification of Rigid Pavement Joint Load Transfer Modeling with EverFE

Abstract

The joint load transfer modeling capabilities of EverFE, a recently developed rigid pavement three-dimensional finite element analysis tool, are verified through comparisons with available experimental data. Dowel joint load transfer is examined via comparison of displacements predicted by EverFE with results from laboratory tests of two small-scale doweled pavement systems, and dowel looseness is shown to be a probable cause for experimentally observed differential joint displacements. Results of finite element analyses using EverFE’s nonlinear, two-phase aggregate interlock constitutive model are shown to agree well with available experimental data. A parametric study is performed that examines the effect of joint opening on aggregate inter-lock load transfer and illustrates the importance of considering nonlinearities in joint load transfer when predicting pavement response. Recommendations for future research on joint load transfer modeling are also discussed.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Uddin

, Hackett

R. M.

, Joseph

, Pan

, and Crowley

A. B.

. Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Analysis of Jointed Concrete Pavement with Discontinuities. In Transportation Research Record 1482, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1995, pp. 26–32.

Kuo

C.-M.

, Hall

K. T.

, and Darter

M. I.

. Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model for Analysis of Concrete Pavement Support. In Transportation Research Record 1505, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1995, pp. 119–127.

Zaghloul

S. M.

, White

T. D.

, and Kuczek

. Evaluation of Heavy Load Damage Effect on Concrete Pavements Using Three-Dimensional, Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis. In Transportation Research Record 1449, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1994, pp. 123–133.

Snyder

M. B.

Cyclic Shear Load Testing of Dowels in PCC Pavement Repairs. In Transportation Research Record 1215, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1989, pp. 246–257.

Buch

, and Zollinger

D. G.

. Development of Dowel Looseness Prediction Model for Jointed Concrete Pavements. In Transportation Research Record 1525, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1996, pp. 21–27.

Zaman

, and Alvappillai

. Contact-Element Model for Dynamic Analysis of Jointed Concrete Pavements. Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 121, No. 5, 1995, pp. 425–433.

Davids

W. G.

, Turkiyyah

G. M.

, and Mahoney

. Modeling of Rigid Pavements: Joint Shear Transfer Mechanisms and Finite Element Solution Strategies. Report WA-RD 455.1. Washington State Department of Transportation, Olympia, 1998.

Tabatabaie

A. M.

, and Barenberg

E. J.

. Structural Analysis of Concrete Pavements. Journal of the Transportation Division, ASCE, Vol. 106, No. TE5, 1980, pp. 832–849.

Tayabji

S. D.

, and Colley

B. E.

. Analysis of Jointed Concrete Pavements. Report FHWS-RD-86-041. FHWA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1986.

10.

Guo

, Sherwood

J. A.

, and Snyder

M. B.

. Component Dowel-Bar Model for Load-Transfer Systems in PCC Pavements. Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 121, No. 3, pp. 289-298, 1995.

11.

Colley

B. E.

, and Humphrey

H. M.

. Aggregate Interlock at Joints in Concrete Pavements. Bulletin 189, HRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1967, pp. 1–18.

12.

Walraven

J. C.

Fundamental Analysis of Aggregate Interlock. Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 107, No. ST11, 1981, pp. 2245–2270.

13.

Ioannides

A. M.

, and Korovesis

G. T.

. Aggregate Interlock: A Pure-Shear Load Transfer Mechanism. In Transportation Research Record 1286, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1990, pp. 14–24.

14.

Brill

D. R.

, Hayhoe

G. F.

, and Lee

. Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Rigid Pavement Structures. In Aircraft/Pavement Technology: In the Midst of Change, ASCE, 1997, pp. 151–165.

15.

Davids

, Turkiyyah

, and Mahoney

. EverFE—Rigid Pavement Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis Tool. In Transportation Research Record 1629, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1998, pp. 41–49.

16.

Davids

, and Turkiyyah

. Development of Embedded Bending Member to Model Dowel Action. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 123, No. 10, 1997, pp. 1312–1320.

17.

Walraven

J. C.

Rough Cracks Subjected to Earthquake Loading. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 120, No. 5, 1994, pp. 1510–1524.

18.

Hammons

M. I.

Development of an Analysis System for Discontinuities in Rigid Airfield Pavements. Report GL-97-3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1997.

19.

Davids

, and Turkiyyah

. Multigrid Preconditioner for Unstructured Nonlinear 3D FE Models. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Vol. 125, No. 2, 1999, pp. 186–196.