A full-scale precast prestressed concrete pavement (PPCP) system was constructed and evaluated under actual traffic load conditions to develop the design guideline under Florida conditions. This test section showed good load transfer efficiency and riding quality. However, information was lacking about its structural response and potential performance. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed for stress analysis of PPCP under critical loading conditions. The developed three-dimensional model was calibrated by using deflection data obtained with a falling weight deflectometer. The model was used to perform a parametric analysis to determine the effects of critical loading location, concrete modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete, loss of prestress force, and subgrade stiffness under typical Florida conditions. Results of the parametric study indicate that the maximum stresses in the concrete increased significantly as the concrete modulus and coefficient thermal expansion increased. Because of the increase in flexural strength associated with the increase in elastic modulus of the concrete, an increase in elastic modulus of the concrete results in a decrease in the computed stress-to-strength ratio under critical load–temperature conditions. The PPCP system that was evaluated appeared to have a good predicted pavement performance with a computed stress-to-strength ratio of less than 0.5, with up to an additional loss of 20% of prestress force in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Variations in the base and subbase properties were found to have a minimal effect on the maximum induced stresses in concrete. This finding indicates that the PPCP system is appropriate for a wide variety of subbase and subgrade conditions.


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    Title :

    Evaluation of Structural Behavior of Precast Prestressed Concrete Pavement with Finite Element Analysis


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record


    Contributors:
    Kim, Kukjoo (author) / Tia, Mang (author) / Greene, James (author)


    Publication date :

    2016-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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