Validation of 3DFE Model of Jointed Concrete Pavement Response to Temperature Variations

Abstract

The most appropriate method to validate the thermoelastic response of a 3D finite element (3DFE) model of dowel jointed concrete pavements subjected to temperature variation is to compare its results with field-measured data. However, field-measured strains in a concrete slab are not only due to temperature variation but they also include components due to construction curling, shrinkage and moisture. Such nonlinear strain contributors are not simulated in concrete constitutive models currently used in 3DFE; thus, field-measured strains cannot be directly used to validate the thermoelastic response of 3DFE models before some data reduction. This paper presents a data reduction technique that renders strains suitable for 3DFE model response validation. The field-measured data were obtained from an intensively instrumented pavement section in West Virginia whose instrumentation plans are described. Data sets of field-measured strains together with the associated temperature profiles are presented in this study. The data can be used by engineers and researchers to validate the thermoelastic response of any 3DFE model of jointed concrete pavement.

Keywords:

• Concrete pavements
• Thermal stresses
• Instrumentation
• Finite element modeling

Acknowledgements

West Virginia Department of Transportation entirely sponsored the work presented in this study. The authors gratefully acknowledge the active support and encouragement of Mr Fred VanKirk, WV Secretary of Transportation and the participation and advice of WVDOH engineers from district 4, and WVDOH Materials Division.