Design of Rigid Pavements

Course: CIVI 6451

Ref Chapter 12 Huang Y. (2004)

1
In this Module
AASHTO Rigid Pavements

2
 Elements of Rigid Pavements
Slabs, Base/Subbase,
Dowel bars and Tiebars
Mesh rebar (reinforced )
Joints

3
 Types of Rigid Pavements

Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements JPCP:

built without reinforcing steel
May or may not include dowels in the
transverse joints.
Typically, maximum joint spacing of 4.5 m
to minimise transverse slab cracking.

4
5
From AASHO Road Test

6
From AASHO Road Test

7
8
Types of rigid pavements

Jointed Reinforced Concrete Pavements

JRCP:
Usually contain a steel mesh,
designed to hold the cracks that develop
between the joints.
Joint spacings increased up to 13.0 m.
Increased joint opening in cold seasons
Due to longer slab lengths,
Need dowels at joints to provide load transfer.

9
Types of rigid pavements
Continuously reinforced concrete
pavements (CRCP),
Constructed without joints
Contain enough rebar in longitudinal
direction to eliminate joints.
Steel designed to
ensure that transverse cracking develops at
close intervals.
The reinforcement also holds the cracks
together tightly
to maintain a high degree of load transfer.
10
11
 In summary: types of rigid pavements
Plain concrete pavements
dowelled or undowelled joints = jointed plain
concrete pavements (JPCP).
Jointed reinforced concrete pavements
(JRCP), typically with doweled joints.
Continuously reinforced concrete pavements
(CRCP), constructed without joints.
Prestressed or post-tensioned concrete
pavements.

12
Precast Concrete Pavement

13
AASHTO Rigid Method
Design requirements / inputs
Develop effective modulus of subgrade
reaction
Pavement slab can be designed with or
without subbase. When used subbase
provides the following functions:
provide uniform, stable permanent support
increase the modulus of subgrade reaction (k)
minimize damage due to frost action
prevent pumping of fine grained soils at joints,
cracks, & edges of slab.

14
From AASHO Road Test

15
16
AASHTO Rigid Method (cont.)
Design requirements / inputs
Seasonal variation of subgrade modulus
accounts for freeze & thawing effects
similar to flexible pavements Figure 1.4 & 1.5.
Relative damage concept used to estimate
design k value.
Loss of support (LS)
used to account for foundation loss of support
due to erosion, differential settlement, etc.

17
 AASHTO Rigid Design Equation

D PSI

Log (W80)= ZR S0 + 7.35 log (D+1) - 0.06+

log


4.5 - 1.5
+ (4.22- 0.32 pt) log c d
(
S' C D0.75-1.132 )
1 .624 * 107

1+
215.63J D0.75- 18.42
(D + 1)8.46
Ec 0.25


k

where:
D = pavement slab thickness (inches)
Sc = modulus of rapture (psi) of the PCC concrete
J = load transfer coefficient
Cd = drainage coefficient
Ec = modulus of elasticity of the PCC concrete (psi)
k = modulus of subgrade reaction (pci)
ZR = standard normal deviate
S0 = combined standard error of the traffic prediction and
performance modeling 18
Modulus of subgrade reaction
An empirical test for quantifying
bearing capacity of a subgrade soil
Plate loading test on a given subgrade soil
762 mm (30 in.) diameter rigid plate
Constant load pressure of q = 69 kPa (10 psi)
Pressure held constant till deflection increase
is less than 0.025 mm per minute in 3
consecutive minutes. If total deflection is D
31.5 kN
N 2
q m or psi
762 mm k= in
Dw m
w0
19
Plate Loading Test

20
Fig 3.7 Design Chart for Rigid Pavement
(Mean value for each input variable) [1 of 2]

21
AASHTO Rigid Pavement Design Steps

1. Estimate design ESALs

2. Determine design modulus of subgrade
reaction, k (possible 4 adjustments)
3. Estimate reliability factors ZR, S0
4. Determine concrete properties Elastic
modulus Ec and modulus of rapture Sc
5. Estimate drainage coefficient Cd & joints
load transfer coefficients J

22
Four adjustments of k-value
Design k-value need to be adjusted for
a) presence of subbase (if any)
b) if the bedrock is within 10-m
c) for seasonal variation (using relative
damage concept)
d) for loss of support.
LS accounts foundation support loss:
LS=0 for full contact; LS= 3.0 for worst
support. Correction factors given Fig. 3.5

23
Four adjustments of k-value
1. Normally no unique correlation
between MR and k (see Huang p.573)
When no subbase: k = MR /19.4 (pci)
q 2M R
k= = [Eq.12.22, Huang page 575]
w0 (1 - )a
2

a = radius of plate, = poisson ratio

For a =15 in & =0.45: k = MR /18.8 (pci)
2. When subbase exists, k-value must be
adjusted using Fig. 3.3
Inputs: subgrade modulus MR, subbase
thickness DSB and Subbase modulus ESB 24
Fig 3.3

25
Four adjustments of k-value
3. If pavement slab is within 3 m (10ft)
of rock bed material, modify k using
Fig 3.4.
Applicable with or without subbase
Eq.12.22 based on subgrade of semi-
infinite depth (i.e. k )

Inputs: subgrade modulus MR and depth
to rock bed DSG.

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Fig 3.4

27
Four adjustments of k-value
4. If pavement is exposed to freeze-thaw
variations, estimate effective modulus of
subgrade reaction (k) using relative
damage concept. [Figure 3.5 or equation]

U r = (D 0.75
- 0.39k )
0.25 3.42

where:
k = the seasonal modulus of subgrade reaction
D = slab thickness

How can I know this?

Isnt this my final result!

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Example 1: Effective modulus of
subgrade Reaction
Table 1 shows length of four seasons at a
project site and corresponding values of
subgrade resilient modulus. Find effective
modulus of subgrade reaction.

Table 1. Length of seasons and modulus data

Season Months Slab Thickness (in) Modulus (psi)
Wet 4 9 2500
Dry 6 9 4500
Thaw 0.5 9 1350
Frozen 1.5 9 37500

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Example: Effective modulus of
subgrade reaction
Damage
Season Months Slab Thickness (in) Modulus (psi) k-value Wgt Ur
Ur

Wet 4 9 2500 128.9 103.4 413.7

Dry 6 9 4500 232.0 85.7 514.0

Thaw 0.5 9 1350 69.6 121.5 60.8

Frozen 1.5 9 37500 1933.0 0.3 0.4

M R 2500
Sample calculation: k = = = 128.87 pci
19.4 19.4

U r = 90.75 - 0.39(128.86)0.25 3.42
= 103.42

Weighted mean U r = (413.7 + 514 + 60.8 + 0.4) / 12 = 82.41

30
Example: Effective modulus of
subgrade reaction
From the weighted mean Ur, the effective
modulus of subgrade reaction, k is calculated:
U r = (D 0.75
- 0.39k )
0.25 3.42

Take this and

solve for k

4
0.75
D - (U r )
1

k=

3.42

9 - (82.41)
=
0.75 0.2924 4

= 258.3 pci
0.39 0.39



31
Four adjustments of k-value

5. Adjust the modulus of subgrade

reaction for foundation loss of
support. Use Table 2.7 (pp. II-27) &
Figure 3.6.
Full support LS=0, Worst support LS=3.0

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 Loss of Support Factors

33
 Potential Loss of support correction

34
AASHTO Rigid Design Steps
Estimate other design variables
pt, ZR, So estimated as in flexible design
Ec PCC elastic modulus. From
compressive cylinder tests or correlation:
Ec = 57000 (fc)0.5 (psi)
Sc from tensile strength test of
concrete (3 point loading - AASHTO T97
or ASTM C78)
Cd estimated (from Table 2.5) as
function of quality of drainage and
frequency of saturation (similar to m-
coefficient in flexible pavements)
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AASHTO Rigid Pavement Design Steps
Estimate other design variables
J load transfer coefficient over service life is
equal or less than assumed expected quality of
joints. Table 2.6
Factors affecting the J-value: presence of
dowels, shoulder type, tied or not tied shoulder,
aggregate interlock, and pavement type.

36
Worked example:
AASHTO Method Rigid Pavement Design
Given:
Analysis period = 35 years
1st stage design = 25 years
traffic loading = 1080 ESALs/day Continue
Truck traffic days = 330 days/day
Facility: 4 lanes highway
Directional split = 50/50
Lane distribution factor = 80% on slow lane
Traffic growth rate = 3%
Single stage reliability = 95%
Overall std. dev. of design process error = 0.30
Climate: wet - freezing (7/5 months)
Subgrade -susceptible to swelling; no frost heave
Drainage max 1 day standing water
Bed rock depth, DSG> 10 m (30 ft)
Subgrade PI (mean drainage) = 40
Mean swell rate constant = 0.072
Terminal serviceability, Pt = 2.5, (P0 = 4.5)
37
Swelling probability Ps 80%
Rigid Pavement - AASHTO Method
Materials (GIVEN):
- PC Concrete : Ec = 4.2 x 106 psi
- Subbase (6): ESB = 15,000 psi (wet) (7 months)
= 25,000 psi (dry) (5moths)
- Sc(rapture concrete) = 580 psi
(28 days flexural strength)

- Subgrade: MR = 5,000 psi (wet: 7 months)

= 6,500 psi (dry: 5 months)

38
 Solution - Worked example:
See next page
1) Effective modulus of subgrade reaction
Season Soil - MR Subbase, ESB k* Ur#
Wet (7) 5,000 15,000 psi 300 15.07
Dry (5) 6,500 25,000 psi 350 13.64
Ur = 14.47
Effective k 0.75 1 4
0.75 1 4
D - U r3.42 6 - 14.47 3.42
k =
'

0.39
=


0 . 39 =

319.7
Notes:
*k values from Fig. 3.3 [AASHTO, 93] using assumed 6 thickness
subbase and corresponding MR and ESB values.

U r = (D 0.75 - 0.39 k 0.25 )

#U values were calculated using the equation: 3.42
r
and assumed 6 subbase
Compare to values read from Fig. 3.5 (15 and 13)
39
15,000

Sample
Calculation
for wet

Fig 3.3

5,000

40
Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
2) Drainage coefficient, CD
max 1 day standing water good drainage
[See AASHTO,93, pp. II.22]
- At 5 - 25 % frequency of saturation, Table 2.5,
[AASHTO, 93] suggests CD = 1.1 1.0
Take: CD = 1.05

41
3) Load transfer coefficient, J
Assume JRCP with 30 feet spacing and dowel
bars, and concrete shoulders - with tied
P.C.C J = 2.5 to 3.1 Take: J = 2.8 42
Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
4) Loss of
support, J
LS factor is
indicative of
potential for
voids under the
slab
good drainage -
take full support
LS = 1.0 ,
K=319.7
k = 110 pci
[Fig. 3.6]
43
5) Traffic analysis for stage 1
Given data above: 25 years analysis,
ESALs25 = 1,080 x 330 days/year x 0.80 x 0.50 x [(1.0325 - 1)]/0.03
ESALy = 4,752,000 x (1.03y -1)
Y=25 ESAL = 5.2 x 10^6
Stage 2 Y=35 ESAL = 8.6 x 10 ^6
6) Slab thickness design

DPSI = P0 - Pt = 4.5 - 2.5 = 2.0

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Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
Plot of ESALs vs Time (Years) 3.00%

Design Lane ESAL per day: 432

C u m m u la t iv e E S A L s

1.2E+07

1.0E+07

8.0E+06

6.0E+06

4.0E+06

2.0E+06

0.0E+00
Year 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29 32 35 38
YearPlot of ESALs vs. Time
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Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
6.1 Assume no environment loss of PSI
DPSITR = 2.0 K = 110, EC = 4.2x106,
ESALs25 5.2 x 106 SC = 580 psi

Trial slab: D = 9.14 select 9 Cd = 1.05, J = 2.8

6.2 Environmental loss of PSI

Given: PI = 40%
Good drainage average moisture conditions
From Fig. G.3 [AASHTO, 93, pp. G-4], DSG > 30 ft VR =
1.15 in.
Given: = 0.072, PS = 80%
DPSISW = 0.00335 VR PS (1- e-t )
46
Figure G.3. Chart for Estimating the Approximate Potential
Vertical Rise of Natural Soils, Part II (2) 47
Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
At the end of 1st stage, Y = 25 years:
DPSISW = 0.00335 x 1.15 x 80 x (1 - e-0.072 x 25 )
DPSISW = 0.26
6.3 Revised slab thickness design (for stage 1)
DPSITR = P0 - Pt - DPSISW
DPSITR = 4.5 - 2.5 - 0.26 = 1.74
Determine slab thickness:

D = 9.33 Provide 9.5

- JRCP slab 9.5 in.
- Granular subbase: 6 in
- Good draining system
- PCC shoulders with ties 48
Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
7) Traffic loading for stage 2 overlay
ESALs (35 years) - ESALs (25 years)
= 1,080 x 330 x 0.80 x 0.5 x [(1.0335 - 1)/0.03] -5.2 x 106 =
= 3.4 x 106
8) Thickness design for stage 2 overlay
Required overlay:
Dot = Df - Deff
where:
Dot = required slab overlay thickness
Df = slab thickness to carry future traffic
Deff = effective thickness of existing slab
Deff can be estimated from RSL as a function of actual traffic carried
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Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
Na
RSL 100 1 -
=
Nd
where:
Na = actual ESALs to date
Nd = design ESALs
For the purpose of the worked example assume
Na = Nd RSL = 0 (at end of stage 1)
From Fig. 5.2 [AASHTO, 93, pp. III-9]
Condition Factor , CF = 0.5
Effective slab thickness at end of stage 1:
Deff = CF x D = 0.5 x 9.5
Deff = 4.8 in. 50
51
Rigid Pavement - AASHTO
Method
9) Environmental loss of PSI: (stage 2)
Assuming stage 1 conditions:
VR = 1.15 in
= 0.072
Ps = 80%
Time in stage 2: (25 - 35 years) = 10 years
DPSISW = 0.00335 x 1.15 x 80 x (1 - e-0.072 x 10)
DPSISW = 0.16
DPSITR = P0 - Pt - DPSISW = 4.5 - 2.5 - 0.26 = 1.74 = 1.84
Use nomograph to determine required overlay:
ESALs = 34 x 106, Cd = 1.05
DPSITR k = 110 pci, Sc = 580 psi
EC = 4.2 x 106 psi, J = 2.8
Df = 8.5 in Dot = Df - Deff = 8.5 - 4.8 = 3.7 in, Provide overlay: 4 in
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