Layer Composition of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Optimized Using a Regression Analysis Method

Abstract

A procedure for determining the optimized composition of layer properties for a continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) system was constructed using field tests, finite element (FE) analysis, and regression analysis methods. The field support characteristics of a rigid pavement system were investigated using a falling weight deflectometer (FWD), dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), and a static plate load test. The subgrade layer exhibited a more uniform condition than the aggregate base, and the modulus of the subgrade reaction of the aggregate base and subgrade combination (effective k-value) was improved by about 1.5 times by introducing a 2 inch (50.8 mm) asphalt stabilized base (ASB) layer. Thereafter, FE support models describing the actual field conditions were studied. The effects of the thickness of the stabilized base layer, the elastic modulus of the stabilized base material, and the effective k-value on the composite k-value of the support system were identified using a regression analysis method, and the results showed that the variables had a similar effect when determining the composite k-value. Afterward, a procedure for selecting the layer properties for producing a suitable composite k-value was constructed, and we identified that the maximum stress in the concrete slab was induced at different levels, even with identical composite k-values. Lastly, regression relationships were derived to estimate the maximum stress in the concrete slab by considering both the support layer properties and the concrete slab. Subsequently, an algorithm for selecting an optimized layer composition of the CRCP structure was construction considering the economical aspect.

Comparison of Stress Fields near Longitudinal Construction Joints of Tied and Doweled Sections in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements

“…In accordance with the recommendation of TxDOT, which recognizes the importance of support conditions in pavement design, the stabilized bases with appropriate thickness that provide more than 81.4 MPa/m of the modulus of the subgrade reaction (k-value) for the support were used in the test section [13]. Therefore, it is considered that the load-bearing capacity is sufficient to minimize the execution errors [14], and we assumed that the difference in stress development in concrete is due to the difference in restraint between tie and dowel bars. Table 1 shows the concrete mixtures used in the CRCP.…”

Laboratory Innovation to Investigate Concrete Paving Blocks Compressive Strength

“…Various materials for road surfaces can be used, including asphalt concrete, cement concrete, or concrete paving blocks (CPBs) [1][2][3]. Therefore, carefully selecting road surface covering materials is essential to building effective pavement structures [4,5]. As a type of surface layer, CPBs have gained widespread popularity and continued to develop as an economical alternative to flexible pavement [6,7].…”