3D-FE of jointed plain concrete pavement over continuum elastic foundation to obtain the edge stress

Abstract

The article presents the results of computational modeling of a rigid pavement with load applied to the edge of the slab, for which a multipurpose software (ABAQUS / CAE) based on the finite element method is used. First, it is explained in detail how computational modeling is performed, taking as reference two types of rigid pavements (pavement with and without concrete shoulder). In the process, the main characteristics and hypotheses taken to model the load, the edge conditions and the characteristics of the materials are presented. The mesh density and the finite element type to be used are also analyzed, based on an experimental design. In order to reduce computation times, studies were conducted to make geometric simplifications to the domain. The final solution is contrasted with the Westergaard´s theory and the results of a finite element software already experimentally validated according to the bibliography (EverFE v2.24). Studies of some of the most important factors for pavement designing were conducted. Finally, graphs are shown in specific conditions of geometry and materials, which will serve as practical tools for use in design methods.