Evaluation of Load Transfer Efficiency at Joints for Rigid Airport Pavement

Abstract:

Based on ABAQUS software,a comprehensive 3D finite element model to analyze the structrual response of jointed rigid airport pavement was established by distributing the stiffness to the nodes along the joint using the concept of contributing areas.Bending stress and deflection for typical pavement structure with varying subgrade strength and joint stiffness on edge loading case were calculated under various landing assemblies.Considering the effect of base course on the load transfer efficiency at joints,a new relationship between the deflection load transfer efficiency obtained from Heavy Weight Deflectometer(HWD) and joint stiffness is established,and relationships between the deflection load transfer efficiencies and the stress load transfer efficiencies subjected to various landing assemblies are established as well.The results provide an approach to evaluate load transfer efficiency at joints and analyze bending stress at slab edge.

Key words:airport; rigid pavement; joint; load transfer efficiency; evaluation; 3D FEM; heavy weight deflectometer(HWD)