Study of Load Transfer Parameter in AASHTO Design Guide for Concrete Pavement

Abstract

Some of the design parameters in AASHTO’s Guide for Design of Pavement Structures require experienced engineering judgment to obtain adequate designs. The load transfer parameter for concrete pavements in the AASHTO Guide is reviewed. A set of equations was developed to assist in choosing a J-factor for various pavement conditions. With three-dimensional finite element analysis, factorial runs were conducted to find the relationships between the critical stresses and joint design parameters—that is, joint width, diameter, length, and spacing of dowel bars. Extended procedures that incorporate dowel parameters into the J-factor were proposed. Conclusions were made to clarify the load transfer concept in the current AASHTO Guide and the effects of joint parameters on pavement performance.

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References

Guide for Design of Pavement Structures. AASHTO, Washington, D.C., 1993.

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Guide for Design of Pavement Structures, Vol. 2. AASHTO, Washington, D.C., 1986.

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