| A method for studying the fatigue performance of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) is described which used nonlinear finite element analysis, with layered Ahmad shell elements and a combination of discrete and smeared crack models. The discrete crack model includes dowel action, aggregate interlock, and spalling at primary cracks formed as the result of temperature and shrinkage stresses. The smeared crack model, which considers friction and dilatancy due to shear strain across cracks, is used for cracks due to traffic loading.; The method of analysis considers the moving and repetitive nature of traffic loading in terms of damage accumulation at all locations of the pavement. The need to properly account for damage accumulation resulting from all positions of a moving load is demonstrated. The deterioration of the concrete between the transverse cracks and the shear transfer capability at the discrete cracks are also considered in the analysis.; Factors, such as concrete strength, steel ratio, crack spacing, crack width, slab thickness, subgrade stiffness, and loading positions, which determine the manner in which CRCP deteriorates due to fatigue loading were evaluated to demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the proposed method of analysis. |
