Finite Element Study of Joint Seals in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements

Abstract

Pavement seal behaviors were investigated using the finite element method to obtain a better understanding of their failure mechanisms. This knowledge is needed to explain failures that actually occur in the field and may help to reduce joint seal costs, which are estimated to be $12M annually. The effects of width, depth, and size were evaluated and compared with parabolic predictions. The finite element results indicated that the assumption of a parabolic free surface upon expansion was not applicable in all cases and the strains were not uniform. The finite element results consistently showed high strains at the vertical pavement-joint seal interface, suggesting that failures should occur there first in properly designed joints. Keywords: Polysulfide seals, Silicone seals, Rubberized asphalt, Seals, Finite element method, Hyperelastic models.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA218256

Entities

People

  • T. J. Holland

Organizations

  • Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil Engineering
  • Concrete
  • Construction
  • Databases
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Protection
  • Explosives
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Hyperelastic Materials
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Pavements
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Portland Cement
  • Test Facilities
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Pavement Materials Engineering.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.