Model for calculation of thermal stresses in concrete pavement slabs with refined non-linear deformation constraints

Abstract

Few investigations have considered comprehensive deformation constraints when calculating thermal stress of concrete slab. In this paper, the comprehensive and refined non-linear deformation constraints model of concrete slab is firstly proposed by setting non-linear spring elements at bottom and side of the slab and the capacity of shear load transfer across joints is considered as well. The results show that thermal stresses calculated by refined non-linear deformation constraints model are in good consistent with experimental results. The foundation reaction modulus has little effect on thermal stresses, but has a significant effect on gap between slab and its foundation. The stiffer base results in higher curling stresses at bottom of slab, and the types of base have an important effect on frictional resistance in horizontal direction at bottom of slab. The larger shear stiffness of joints will increase thermal stresses and shear force along joints but decrease deflections of slab.

KEYWORDS:

• Concrete slab
• thermal stress
• deformation constraints model
• non-linear springs
• finite element method

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant (52178438) and Sichuan Science and Technology Program (2021JDTD0023).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by China Scholarship Council for the funding support (CSC. No. 202207000078), National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant (52178438) and Sichuan Science and Technology Program (2021JDTD0023).