THICKNESS DESIGN OF CONCRETE PAVEMENTS BY PROBABILISTIC METHOD

Abstract

A probabilistic finite element computer program was developed for the practical design of concrete pavements. Based on the variability of traffic, material and geometric parameters, the cracking index, which is currently being used as a design criterion in most of the mechanistic methods, is converted into reliability, so the effect of variability on thiclaless design can be evaluated. It is shcMn that the use of reliability as a design criterion results in a more reasonable and realistic design. The program can be applied to slabs on liquid, solid or layered foundations. Results obtained from different types of foundations are compared and a manual method for estimating reliability is presented.