Abstract
An in-depth study of factors and causes of faulting distress are presented. The results of a laboratory and a finite element investigation explain the behavior of joints in jointed concrete pavement systems in terms of load transfer derived through aggregate interlock and dowels. These results have thus far revealed that aggregate qW, texture and shape have a pronounced effect on the load transfer mechanism of a joint in a concrete pavement system. The load transfer mechanism of an undoweled joint was modeled by a two-phase system (cement matrix and aggregates). The finite element analysis demonstrated that the load transfer mechanism is sensitive to slab thickness, modulus of subgrade support, and joint stiffness. This analysis also indicates that the shear capacity of a joint is a function of the aggregate interlock factor, dowel stiffness, subgrade modulus, magnitude of load, and crack width. The finite element modeling indicated that joints in thinner pavements resting on weak subgrades tend to develop high shear stresses (and load transfer efficiencies). However, laboratory results indicated that high shear stresses on the crack face shortens the performance life of the joint. Results from this study were used to develop a design framework based on relating pavement thickness and to a non-dimensional shear stress parameter. The laboratory program was used to develop an empirical-mechanistic model to predict dowel looseness. Based on the laboratory results it was determined that dowel looseness is a function bearing stress, aggregate type and size, and load magnitude. The second phase of this study was to review existing faulting prediction models and develop an empirical-mechanistic fault prediction model using the COPES database. The study provides a synthesis of past and present faulting studies carried out both nationally and internationally. It also provides a comprehensive review of existing faulting prediction models. Based on the information available in the COPES database, two fault prediction models were developed; one for doweled pavements and one for nondoweled pavements. The sensitivity analysis revealed that factors like sub-surface drainage, dowel diameter, joint spacing and traffic loading played significant roles in the development of the faulting distress.
Buch, Neeraj J. (1995). Development of empirical-mechanistic based faulting models in the design of plain jointed concrete pavements. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1561404.