Mechanical Responses of Dowel Joints Using 3D Finite Element Analysis for Different Airplane Configurations

摘要

In this study, a model has been developed, calibrated, validated, and verified for rigid airfield pavements constructed at the National Airport Pavement Testing Facility. After the model had been validated and verified, it has been used to predict the performance of the pavement under two different wheel loading configurations, the Airbus A320 and the Boeing B737. Based on the analysis, it was determined that these two wheel configurations cause significantly lower stress and strain responses in the pavement than the dual tandem configuration. It was also determined that the dowel joints transfer more load between adjoined slabs under these wheel configurations, than the field tested configuration.