WESTERGAARD SOLUTIONS RECONSIDERED

The pioneering analytical work of Harold Malcom Westergaard (1888-1950) has been at the heart of slab-on-grade pavement design since the 1920s. Every code of practice published since then makes reference to the "Westergaard solutions." These solutions are only available for three particular loading conditions (interior, edge, and corner) and assume a slab of infinite or semi-infinite dimensions. Since their first appearance, beginning in the early 1920s, Westergaard equations have often been misquoted or misapplied in subsequent publications. To remedy this situation, a reexamination of these solutions using the finite element method is described in this paper. A number of interesting results are presented: (a) Several equations ascribed to Westergaard in the literature are erroneous, usually as a result of a series of typographical errors or misapplications, or both. The correct form of these equations and their limitations have now been conclusively established. (b) Westergaard's original equation for edge stress is incorrect. The long-ignored equation given in his 1948 paper should be used instead. (c) Improved expressions for maximum corner loading responses have been developed. (d) Slab size requirements for the development of Westergaard responses have also been established.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1985/1043/1043-003.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=WESTERGAARD+SOLUTIONS+RECONSIDERED&author=A.+Ioannides&author=M.+Thompson&author=E.+Barenberg&publication_year=1985
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309039592
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Rigid Pavements. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Ioannides, A M
  • Thompson, M R
  • Barenberg, E J
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 13-23
• Monograph Title: Pavement system analysis
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1043
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Coefficient of subgrade reaction; Concrete pavements; Equations; Errors; Finite element method; Loads; Pavement design; Size; Slab on grade; Stresses; Values in measurement
• Uncontrolled Terms: Correction (Mathematics); Edges; Loading
• Old TRIS Terms: Slab on ground construction; Westergaard formula
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00458253
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309039592
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 30 1988 12:00AM