Applicability of the finite element method in analysis and sizing of JCPC slabs for two-lane roads

Abstract

Two-lane road JCPC (Jointed-Plain-Concrete-Pavement) slabs were analyzed and dimensioned using the EverFE 2.25 finite element modeler in order to reproduce the efforts of the pavement slab in a more realistic way. The “Westergaard”-1948 analytical method was used for the validation. With the results of efforts and the number of allowed repetitions of load we can conclude that the designs of JCPC slabs for two lanes do not require the analysis and dimensioning with own weight of the structure, because the percentage of variation is little significant. Therefore, we recommend omitting the density parameter in the analysis to generate a lower computational cost. This study shows us a route to continue analyzing other factors that influence the sizing of rigid pavements. We hope in future investigations to integrate loads of different vehicles and the behaviors produced by the presence of segments and tie bars in transverse and longitudinal joints.

Keywords

• carreteras de dos carriles
• everfe 2.25
• losas jcpc
• modelado tridimensional de pavimentos
• modelado de pavimentos con software libre
• westergaard 1948