A REALISTIC MODEL FOR DRAINAGE OF WATER THROUGH A JOINTED CONCRETE PAVEMENT

Abstract

This study presents a realistic model for assessing drainage through a jointed concrete pavement by employing a finite element method (FEM). Utilizing data from an instrumented section of US 36 in Hendricks County, Indiana, the research evaluates subdrainage performance in relation to rainfall, highlighting the importance of accurately estimating net inflow to pavements. Two rainfall events were analyzed, demonstrating the model's effectiveness in simulating pavement drainage, with a particular focus on the infiltration capacity of joints and the efficiency of outlet pipes. The findings suggest that the joint infiltration rate is significantly lower than previously estimated, impacting both the peak outflow and drainage duration. Recommendations include further analyses with varied joint seal conditions and an emphasis on low suction values in moisture suction tests due to their critical role in numerical analysis outcomes. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)