Title: An Approximate Model for Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement under Temperature Loading

Author(s): Chaomei Meng, Liangcai Cai, and Guanhu Wang

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 116

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 193-204

Keywords: approximate model; continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP); crack width; temperature loading; thermal stresses

DOI: 10.14359/51718064

Date: 11/1/2019

Abstract:
Continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) has superior durability and mechanical performance over jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) without preset joints. However, there are many small cracks in CRCP under environmental loading. Crack width of CRCP is the one of most important factors for pavement design, and it directly influences durability. Therefore, an approximate model is developed to predict crack width and stresses of CRCP under temperature loading. Furthermore, the effect of influenced parameters on crack width is discussed. The results show that axial components account for a great proportion of thermal stress, compared to curling stress. Reinforcement ratio and diameter of reinforcement have significant influence on crack width. Increasing reinforcement ratio, while decreasing diameter of reinforcement can decrease crack width. Adhesive strength between concrete and reinforcement influences crack width, too. Higher adhesive strength can reduce crack width. Moreover, thicknesses of pavement, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of concrete also have an effect on crack width. Improvement of the tensile strength of concrete would widen the crack width, but lengthen the spacing between adjacent cracks. Both thicker pavement and higher elastic modulus of concrete introduce wider crack widths but improve bearing capacity. Therefore, a larger reinforcement ratio but smaller diameter of reinforcement with deformation, and a lower elastic modulus of concrete pavement with larger thickness are recommended.