Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCPs) are a cornerstone of industrial facilities, providing durability under heavy loads like forklifts. However, ensuring these pavements perform efficiently over time has been a persistent challenge. Recent research by Jagadeesh et al. from TU Delft (the Netherlands) introduces an innovative finite element modeling (FEM) framework that could transform how engineers design and analyze these critical structures. The study has recently been published in the journal Engineering Structures.
In industrial settings, forklifts exert rolling dynamic loads that can degrade pavement joints over time. Traditional studies often rely on static models or simplified experiments that fail to capture the full complexity of real-world conditions. Jagadeesh and his team set out to bridge this gap by developing a framework that incorporates rolling tire dynamics, offering more precise insights into how these pavements perform under load.
The Core of the Study
The research focuses on the critical role of dowel bars, the steel reinforcements that transfer loads across concrete slabs. Their effectiveness, measured by Load Transfer Efficiency (LTE), directly impacts pavement longevity and vehicle comfort. Here’s what sets this study apart:
- Dynamic Modeling: Unlike static tests, this framework simulates the interaction between rolling forklift tires and rigid pavements. The model captures factors like tire deformation, momentum, and friction for a more accurate analysis.
- Load Transfer Percentage (LTP): The study introduces LTP as an improvement over LTE, offering a more comprehensive view of joint performance across different loading scenarios.
What They Found
The team’s findings highlight important dynamics at play in JPCPs:
- Deformation Behavior: Rolling tires cause asymmetrical deflection in slabs, with free dowel bars showing higher deformation than fixed ones.
- Dynamic vs. Static Loads: Rolling tire loads induce higher stresses and deflections compared to static loads, underscoring the importance of considering dynamic effects during design.
- Key Parameters: Factors like dowel bar-concrete friction and load magnitude significantly influence stress distribution, while vehicle speed and tire-pavement friction play a minor role.
Practical Benefits for Engineers
This cutting-edge FEM framework is more than an academic exercise—it has tangible benefits for the construction and maintenance of industrial pavements:
- Better Design Tools: By incorporating rolling tire dynamics, engineers can optimize dowel bar spacing, material properties, and pavement thickness to reduce wear and improve durability.
- Enhanced Diagnostics: The integration of rolling weight deflectometers (RWD) with FEM offers a faster, more accurate way to evaluate pavement performance in the field.
Looking Ahead
The research team plans to expand their model from two slabs to multi-slab systems, allowing for even more realistic simulations of industrial pavements. They’re also exploring innovative materials for dowel bars to enhance durability and performance further.
The paper can be cited as:
Jagadeesh, A., Premarathna, W. A. A. S., Kumar, A., Kasbergen, C., & Erkens, S. (2025). Finite element modelling of jointed plain concrete pavements under rolling forklift tire. Engineering Structures, 328, 119705.
Link [paywall]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141029625000951
Disclaimer: Generative AI was used while writing this article.