Interface shear transfer in jointed or cracked concrete pavements

Title: Interface shear transfer in jointed or cracked concrete pavements
Author(s): E. A. Jensen, W. Hansen
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Symposium on Concrete Science and Engineering: A Tribute to Arnon Bentur
Editor(s): J. Weiss, K. Kovler, J. Marchand, and S. Mindess
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 2912143926
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Nb references: 13
Language: English

Abstract: Premature mid-slab cracking can adversely affect pavement performance by accelerating deterioration of the crack. Once cracking has developed the aggregate shear load transfer property is important in avoiding further deterioration. A new aggregate interlock model is proposed that incorporates the principal mechanisms of shear load transfer through aggregate interlock, namely the initial free slip and sliding during loading. The model captures the highly nonlinear shear behavior of cracks. The model was developed based on extensive laboratory testing of large-scale slabs on full-depth foundations. A major finding is that aggregate, which have excellent shear load transfer property through aggregate interlock mechanisms (i.e. little or no free slip, and little or no frictional sliding on full contact of the opposing crack face with increasing loading) can maintain high load transfer capacity for a wide range in crack openings (i.e. up to 2.50mm). These aggregates are characterized as hard since they do not fracture during tensile testing resulting in a rough textured crack face. Soft aggregate, on the other hand, have a reduced shear capacity, as these aggregates fracture during tensile testing and result in a smooth crack face. The new nonlinear aggregate interlock models for soft and hard coarse aggregate were implemented in EverFE, a 3D finite element package for the analysis of rigid pavement. The predicted shear displacements across an undoweled joint or a midslab crack due to a single axle wheel load suggest, that aggregate interlock load transfer efficiency is highly dependent on whether soft or hard aggregate is used in the concrete, and that concrete containing hard aggregates provides superior crack performance.

Online publication: 2004-03-25
Classification: Numerical Modeling
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143926.031