Three-dimensional Modelling of Rigid Pavement Buckling

Abstract: Pavement buckling occurs when a concrete slab incurs excessive compressive forces at its joints that ultimately lead to failure. It is typically instigated by an increase in temperature and moisture, so as historically higher temperatures occur in the U.S., buckling is becoming more frequent. States like Wisconsin have experienced a steady increase in buckling events over the last decade. This trend is expected to be exacerbated by heatwaves and climate change. This paper introduces a finite element model to enhance understanding of the buckling mechanism of jointed plain concrete pavement so it can be mitigated in the future. The three-dimensional model was created using the general finite element software Abaqus, and it is verified following standard practices and validated using forensic evaluation data from Wisconsin. The three-dimensional model considers factors including the concrete neutral temperature, coefficient of concrete thermal expansion, slab thickness, subgrade properties, initial slab deformation, and the impact of the accumulation of incompressible materials along the transverse joint. The implementation of this model can help identify sites that are at high risk of pavement buckling so that efforts to prevent buckling in the future may be initiated.