A STRUCTURAL REVIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE PAVEMENTS, PART 1

Closed format and finite difference solutions to the fundamental differential equation, by which the interaction between a rigid pavement segment plate and the elastic subgrade is mathematically described, are presented in this report. The solutions permit a precise analysis of both separate and combined effects of dead weight, temperature and axle loads. It has been found that extreme temperature effects may exceed the stresses due to heavy commercial vehicles by a factor of two. Even the best pavement design is only marginal in terms of structural engineering, and an unfortunate combination of parameters, like the I-75 design, can surely lead to early deterioration. Sudden cooling by the environment or intensive rainfall may cause partial separation of the pavement from the subgrade and, if the subgrade is impervious, result in excessive pumping. There appears to be no hope in designing a well performing pavement without an appropriate consideration for temperature. Accordingly, the AASHTO design process, which lacks such provision, should be revised considerably for use in Florida. The standard methods of testing, by which deflections are measured under static loads and falling weights, are also insensitive to temperature and need to be altered and/or extended.

• Corporate Authors:

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Haydon Burns Building, 605 Suwanee Street
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32301
• Authors:
  • Csagoly, P F
• Publication Date: 1986-2-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle load force; Concrete pavements; Differential equations; Finite differences; Pavement subgrade; Pumps; Static loads; Stresses; Temperature
• Uncontrolled Terms: Interaction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00457006
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:54PM