COMPUTER MODEL FOR ANALYSIS OF RIGID PAVEMENTS WITH FATIGUE

Abstract

In this paper, a nonlinear finite element method for analysis of rigid pavements with fatigue is presented. Fatigue damage caused by load repetitions due to traffic deteriorates pavement components so that their stiffness properties decay with time. The modulus of elasticity and strength of concrete decrease as traffic imposes load repetitions stressing and straining the concrete, Microcracking takes place reducing the strength and modulus of elasticity of the concrete slab. The method of analysis proposed herein, takes into account the damaging effect caused on the slab by the repetitive load. The da age is quantified as decay in the stiffness of concrete, amount of cracking, and decay in load transfer efficiency. The computer implementation is based on the computer method ILLISLAB previously developed at the University of Illinois (l). In the method presented herein, the pavement components are assumed to have a stress- or strain-dependent behavior, and the concrete slab is considered as an orthotropic plate.