Evaluation of Thermal Warping in Pavements

Abstract

Even though volumetric changes of concrete slabs on grade in response to an environmental changes have been recognized for decades, they are still not well understood. Drying shrinkage induced curling of slabs on grade and thermal warping of pavements have been investigated numerous times, but a procedure for pavement design linking structural analysis and environmental behavior has not yet been developed. This study describes the behaviors and presents a theoretical framework for unraveling the complex nature of pavement response to the environment.