Impact of variability of mechanical and thermal properties of concrete on predicted performance of jointed plain concrete pavements

The performance of jointed plain concrete pavement is affected by various design parameters including mechanical and thermal properties of concrete. Out of these, coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic modulus and modulus of rupture are a few important ones and to evaluate the effects of these material properties on pavement performance, simulations were carried out in MEPDG. All other design parameters such as traffic, design life, climate and road bed soil conditions were considered as constant and pavement performance was evaluated. The simulation results appreciated that with an increase in coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete, the pavement performance was adversely affected. In addition, with an increase in elastic modulus and modulus of rupture values of concrete, the strength of concrete increases and resultantly an improved pavement performance was obtained. It became evident that these material parameters should be carefully considered while designing a rigid pavement.