Mechanistic-Empirical Model to Predict Transverse Joint Faulting

Abstract

A summary is presented of the procedures used to model the effects of transverse joint faulting in the design of jointed plain concrete pavements in the 2002 Design Guide, which was developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A, Development of the 2002 Guide for Design of New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures. The mechanistic-empirical 2002 guide procedure for rigid pavement design incorporates several key features that are expected to offer significant improvements in design accuracy. The 2002 Design Guide faulting model identifies the differential energy of subgrade deformation as the mechanistic parameter governing joint faulting development. This parameter reflects total pavement flexibility and the level of load transfer efficiency. The 2002 design procedure uses the incremental damage approach. It allows for direct consideration of changes in many factors throughout the entire design period and joint load transfer, including material properties (concrete strength and modulus), seasonal climatic conditions, traffic loadings, subgrade support, and others. Each analysis increment represents a specific combination of the preceding factors over a distinct period (month, season, etc.). The main concepts are described, the model overview presented, and the results of the model calibration provided. Several examples illustrating sensitivity of the 2002 Design Guide faulting prediction to the key design parameters (dowel diameter, slab width and edge support, built-in temperature gradient, and others) are also provided.