Modeling Concrete Pavement to Assess Buckling Risk

Details

• Creators:
  Hernandez, Jaime ; Underwood, B. Shane ; Bevan, Veronica ; Goenaga, Boris ; Kumar, Shourya
• Corporate Creators:
  Marquette University. Transportation Research Center ; North Carolina State University ; Wisconsin Highway Research Program
• Corporate Contributors:
  Wisconsin. Dept. of Transportation. Library and Research Unit ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Buckling Climate Change Finite Element Method Heat Heatwaves Model Validation Rigid Pavements Validation
• Publication/ Report Number:
  0092-24-03
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report: October 2023 – September 2025
• Corporate Publisher:
  Wisconsin. Dept. of Transportation. Library and Research Unit
• Abstract:
  This project developed a validated mechanistic model and an Excel-based tool to predict buckling risk in jointed concrete pavements. The three-dimensional finite element model, built in Abaqus, simulates thermal buckling by capturing slab-joint-base-subgrade interactions. Joints were modeled using connector elements, and the slab-base interface uses a Coulomb friction model with separation and shear limits. The model was verified and validated using Wisconsin field data, showing good agreement with observed buckling temperatures. A scenario-based investigation explored how variables like slab thickness, joint stiffness, concrete thermal expansion (CTE), and setting temperature influence buckling. Joint stiffness had the greatest impact, followed by setting temperature and CTE, while slab-base friction (within the ranges considered) and subgrade stiffness had minimal effects. The investigation led to a nonlinear regression model that estimates safe temperature, which supported the Pavement Buckling Risk Indicator and Simulation Kit (PB-RISK). PB-RISK assesses buckling risk through long-term (climate change) and short-term (14-day forecast) analyses. It incorporates pavement properties, construction details, aggregate type, joint condition, and humidity effects to predict pavement temperatures and compare them to the safe temperature. The tool outputs risk levels from “Very Low” to “Very High,” providing transportation agencies with a proactive way to identify, monitor, and mitigate pavement buckling risk under changing climate conditions. Based on the results of the research, it is recommended to implement mechanisms that minimize the accumulation of incompressible material at the joint, such as using a low-modulus filler, avoid paving during the cold months, and opt for mixtures with low CTE when possible and practical. The specific details of each of these variables to minimize buckling can be determined using PB-RISK.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  WHRP 0092-24-03
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:ef725ff98b0bd4cdef05db812631e88128400444e8d937df23dd9c4f55965f2fe4a78fa7b93c579dbd15a5e812ba150c8fd95bd72f7360664a37bae64cf82830
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/89220/dot_89220_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 3.56 MB ]