Evaluation of the Moisture Dependence of Concrete Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Its Impacts on Thermal Deformations and Stresses of Concrete Pavements

Abstract

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is one of the material properties of concrete that has the largest impact on rigid pavement performance. Concrete CTE is typically measured in the laboratory, under saturated conditions, or estimated on the basis of the mix constituents, past experience, or both. Whichever method is used, the mechanistic-empirical design of concrete pavements traditionally assumes a constant value for this material property. This assumption has important consequences in relation to predicting thermal deformations and stresses since the CTE of concrete actually changes with the concrete’s internal moisture conditions. The experimental data presented in this study show that this assumption, together with the way CTE is measured in the laboratory, leads to systematic underestimates of thermal deformations and stresses in concrete pavements. The experimental data come from six concrete overlays of asphalt pavements that were instrumented with thermocouples, relative humidity sensors, and vibrating wire strain gauges to measure the expansion/contraction and bending of the slabs because of temperature and moisture-related actions. The apparent CTE of the overlay slabs reached values up to 65% larger than the CTE measured in the laboratory under saturated conditions. Using finite element method modeling, it was determined that thermal stresses were up to 70% larger than predicted using the saturated CTE.

Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry via value chain mitigation strategies

“…For example, use of SCMs improves concrete durability with respect to the alkali-aggregate reaction in bridges and pavements, 133 and the use of reduced cement contents and calcium sulfoaluminate cements reduces damaging drying shrinkage in pavements. 134 Counter effects can also result from such upfront material changes. 135,136 For example, maintenance strategies required during the lifespan of concrete structures can, over time, outweigh upfront differences in environmental impacts.…”

The Influence of the Application Layer of Pouring Semi-Flexible Pavement Material on Low-Temperature Stress

“…It becomes crucial to integrate the temperature shrinkage coefficient of the cementbased grouting material into the overall temperature stress analysis [31]. Hao [32] conducted a thorough investigation into the temperature shrinkage coefficient of PSFM through numerical modeling.…”

Study on the Evolution Behavior of Humidity Fields in Cement Concrete Pavements of a Coastal Airport During Early Stages in Humid and Hot Areas

“…Compared to the influence of temperature fields, the study concerning the influence of humidity fields was insufficient, and humidity fields are not considered in the current concrete pavement design and calculation [ 8 ]. Nevertheless, with the continuous deepening of research on the impact of early stage behaviors, it has been recognized that humidity had a significant impact on the deformation and stress of the pavement slabs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Rania E. Asbahan et al [ 21 ] measured the curvature of concrete slabs caused by humidity strain after 1–2 years through experiments.…”