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Numerical Analysis of Cracking in Concrete Pavements Subjected to Wheel Load and Thermal Curling

Aure, Temesgen W
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382427417

Abstract Details

2013, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Civil Engineering.
The main goal of this research is to implement recent advances in nonlinear fracture mechanics, most notably the introduction of the cohesive zone concept, in investigating the post-cracking behavior of concrete pavements, subjected to wheel load and curling. The cohesive zone is assumed to lie along a specified direction known a priori, and cohesive elements are inserted along this path. The study follows a step-by-step approach, beginning with fracture analysis of simply supported beams. In this initial step, experimental and numerical studies available in literature are reproduced and excellent agreement is observed. Furthermore, important fracture parameters and numerical challenges are identified, pertinent to the cohesive zone concept. It is observed that post-crack responses of the beams are sensitive to choices regarding the solution type, the concrete softening curve, and the uncracked region mesh sizes. Single slabs-on-grade under wheel loads located at the slab edge or interior are considered next. In this phase, it is observed that the increased size of the problem inhibits generating as refined mesh as for the beams, and consequently obtaining a convergent solution poses a significant challenge. This is resolved by using so-called viscous regularization, in which a small viscosity term is introduced. Accordingly, a small deviation of traction stresses beyond the pre-defined material softening curve can be tolerated. Once again, the simulation in this phase is verified by reproducing experimental and numerical results available in literature. The effects of concrete softening curve, cohesive zone mesh, solution method, fracture energy, and tensile strength on the fracture process are investigated. It is observed that the fracture energy is the major parameter that influences the responses. In a third phase of the study, a single slab-on-grade is subjected to wheel load and curling, individually or in combination. In both cases, it is observed that the diurnal temperature cycle and the shape of its profile through the slab thickness plays a significant role on the post-crack responses of the slab. When the slab top is warmer, unstable cracks form; in contrast, a warmer bottom results in stable cracks, thereby increasing the resistance of the slab and avoiding sudden failure. The final two phases of the research are devoted to the study of jointed concrete pavements, also subjected to wheel load and temperature variations: the fourth phase encompasses aggregate interlock joints and the fifth phase pertains to dowel bar joints. Linear and nonlinear aggregate interlock mechanisms are simulated and their repercussions on the fracture responses of the slabs are examined. Similarly, the effects of numerical idealization techniques for the dowel-slab interaction, joint size and dowel looseness on the fracture process are examined. It is concluded that the cohesive zone approach is a very promising tool in the ongoing exploration of fracture behavior in concrete pavements. The techniques can be extended to general loading situations that involve fatigue and crack branching. The results from this study will contribute to the development of a more mechanistic failure analysis of concrete pavements.
Anastasios Ioannides, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jeffrey Roesler, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Anant Kukreti, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Richard Miller, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
325 p.
Civil Engineering
Pavement analysis; Curling; Load transfer; Concrete fracture; Cohesive zone; Crack propagation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Aure, T. W. (2013). Numerical Analysis of Cracking in Concrete Pavements Subjected to Wheel Load and Thermal Curling [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382427417

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Aure, Temesgen. Numerical Analysis of Cracking in Concrete Pavements Subjected to Wheel Load and Thermal Curling. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382427417.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Aure, Temesgen. "Numerical Analysis of Cracking in Concrete Pavements Subjected to Wheel Load and Thermal Curling." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1382427417

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.