Predicting Environmental Effects on Concrete Pavements

Status: Complete
Report Date: 06/30/2011

Summary:

To improve the accuracy of mechanistic empirical design methods, researchers developed a mathematical model to determine the built-in curl of concrete slabs using slab temperature gradients, material and geometrical properties, and falling weight deflectometer measurements at slab corners. They used this model to estimate built-in curl on pavement test sections at the MnROAD pavement research facility and found that all sections had negative built-in curl. However, the model could predict built-in curl only when total curl was more negative than -9 degrees F, which is rare in Minnesota's climate.

Final Deliverables:

Report #2011-16
Research Summary