Structural Evaluation of Double-Layer Precast Concrete Pavement by Wheel Loading Test and Analysis by 3DFEM

AUTHORS: Yokoyama, T.; Matsushita, Y.; Misutani, S and Nishizawa, T.

ABSTRACT: One of the reasons why concrete pavement is not so popular in Japan is that it takes more time to construct and replace than asphalt pavement. Improving productivity in concrete pavement construction and maintenance can be achieved by utilizing precast concrete products more. The use of precast concrete panels for pavement is a solution. A unique precast concrete pavement, Double-layer Precast Concrete Pavement (DPCP) has been developed in this study. This new technology consists of two layers of precast concrete panels arranged in staggered position. DPCP is easy to be constructed and maintained because it does not require joint connectors such as dowels or cotters for ensuring road surface evenness and load transfer across joints. To investigate long-term performance of DPCP, a test section was constructed on a circular accelerating pavement testing facility and subjected to a lot of moving truck axle load. During the test, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests were conducted at every 10,000 of 49kN equivalent single wheel loads (ESWL). Back-calculation of FWD deflection revealed the gap between the upper and lower panels at transverse joints. However, structural analysis with three-dimensional finite element method (3DFEM) confirmed that small cracks in the panels due to the gap are properly controlled with rebars. The study also shows that distressed panels can be replaced efficiently, minimizing work, noise, and vibration issues.