Simulation on the Stress Response of Concrete Around Dowels in Airport Rigid Pavement

Abstract:

The stress response of concrete around dowels in airport rigid pavement under the individual action and superposition of temperature gradient and aircraft load was studied with finite element method (FEM) simulation. The model was validated by analytical equations under temperature gradient proposed by Westergaard. The results show that the dowels have approximately 15% of restraint on the deflection of the joint under temperature gradient. When the sole aircraft load is applied on the corner of the slab and above the sliding end of the dowel, the stress in the concrete sees its maximum. The maximum stress under sole load is only produced in concrete around the sliding end of dowels. Negative gradient is disadvantageous as to the stress concentration of concrete produced by aircraft load, while the positive gradient is advantageous.