A high speed profiler based slab curvature index for jointed concrete pavement curling and warping analysis.

摘要

One of the biggest gaps of missing knowledge between accurate structural modeling of concrete pavement slab behavior and real pavement behavior is accounting for slab warping (locked-in curvature and moisture gradient effects) and curling (temperature gradient effects). Curling and warping are curvatures that can be present in a PCC slab that can cause corners and edges, or mid panel, of the slab to lift off of the ground resulting in relatively high deflection and stress in the system. The least understood type of curvature in slabs is apparent locked-in curvature, which can become excessive and control the overall behavior of the pavement system.; This project is focused on quantifying slab curvatures and the effects of apparent locked-in curvature on the behavior and long-term performance of pavement systems. A high-speed profile analysis technique for detecting the amount of slab curvatures along pavement wheel paths is described. This signal processing technique can detect relatively small curvature variations in high-speed pavement elevation profiles obtained at normal highway operating speeds using special vehicles.; A resulting curvature detection algorithm is applied to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database high-speed pavement profiles for jointed concrete pavements. The range and nature of slab curvatures detected in the profiles is described. The calculated locked-in curvature at the various pavement sites is compared to LTPP database information to evaluate curvature effects on pavement deterioration rates and the relation between site parameters and locked-in curvature. The significance of slab curvature is shown through statistics and predictive models developed for various pavement distress modes. It is shown that the amount of curvature locked into concrete slabs is one of the strongest factors in the FHWA LTPP data correlated to deterioration of pavements.; This study shows that preventing locked-in slab curvature should be a top priority for PCC slabs in highway applications. The profile analysis routine and distress prediction models developed will be valuable tools for pavement designers, managers, and researchers.