Modeling concrete pavements for bending stresses considering nonlinear thermal gradient and aged CTE

Abstract

Temperature gradient through the thickness of the concrete pavement slab results in slab curling and induces longitudinal bending stresses in the slab. Historically, temperature distribution or gradient has been considered linear, though it can be nonlinear in many cases. In this study, numerical modeling is conducted to compare the bending stresses due to nonlinear temperature with those due to the linear temperature distribution. It became evident from the results that the nonlinear temperature results in higher stress levels. In addition, this study also evaluates the effects of aged coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) on the magnitude of bending stresses. Numerical modeling is conducted and it is found that aged CTE results in increased stresses up to 12.5% in the top and bottom fibers of the pavement slab. These increased stress levels may result in higher pavement distresses during the design service life and the pavement may not perform through its designed life.