Analysis of concrete pavement strain data and behaviour during joint formation

Abstract

Rigid pavement joint openings and strain readings were monitored during a 4-month period in an attempt to understand pavement behaviour during joint formation. The displacement data recorded at each joint indicate when and where the joints were formed in the rigid pavement. The strain variations recorded indicate different stress states when a joint was formed some distance away from the gauges vs. close to the gauges. Data and conceptual analysis prove that the recorded strain variations are stress-dependent and reliable. The residual bending stresses measured in the tested slabs before a joint was formed were relatively high, at least in the range of 0.99 MPa (143 psi) to 1.26 MPa (182.2 psi). The existence of residual tensile stresses before a joint is formed may increase the slab's risk of cracking. Therefore, special analysis is needed if traffic loads must be applied on a newly constructed concrete pavement before joint formation.

Keywords:

• joint formation
• stress-dependent strain
• stress-independent strain
• slab curling
• residual stress

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the FAA Airport Technology Research and Development Branch managed by Dr Satish K. Agrawal. Special thanks are given to Dr Gordon F. Hayhoe for his technical leadership in test planning and organisation, and to Mr Chuck Teubert for his test management. Special thanks are given to Dr Mark Snyder for reviewing this paper and improving its English. The authors would also like to express their appreciation to Mr Hector Diautolo for his involvement in testing and reviewing the manuscripts, Mr Murphy Flynn for assisting in the construction, and Ms May Dong for the data reduction and organisation. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented within. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views and policies of the FAA. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.

Notes

^1. [email protected]

^2. [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frank Petch

1. 1. [email protected]

Lia Ricalde

2. 2. [email protected]