SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE PERFORMANCE USING FINITE ELEMENT APPROACH
Abstract: This study aims to
understand the effect of applying several parameters: different axle load
configuration, concrete properties, subgrade properties, slab thickness, joint
characteristics, shoulder construction, bounded HMA overlay on concrete
pavement, and bounded and unbounded CTB foundation over subgrade on the fatigue
and erosion related distresses in concrete pavements. KENSLAB, an elaborate
finite element program is used to determine the concrete pavement responses:
stresses and deflection under the defined parameters. The results obtained
using this software is relatively close to known theoretical Westergaard
solutions. Several other findings related to pavement performance and behavior
are made through this study. Multiple axle configurations is less damaging than
single axle configuration in terms of fatigue life. Increasing the thickness is
very effective in reducing the edge stress. Using concrete with higher modulus
of elasticity brings only a small increase to the edge stress. Increasing the
slab thickness is the most effective way to increase the fatigue life.
Increasing subgrade modulus is more effective in reducing corner deflection
than decreasing edge stress. The availability of tied shoulder construction
gives significant impact in both reducing edge stress and corner deflection.
The debonding condition between layers has a significant effect on pavement
responses.
Author: Y. H. Parjoko
Journal Code: jptsipilgg120059
