Modelagem numérica tridimensional de pavimentos de concreto submetidos às cargas do tráfego e ao empenamento térmico

Abstract

Concrete pavements present complex structural behavior. To estimate its performance, considering several variables, we can make use of experimental programs and combined numerical models, to facilitate the parametric analysis and the understanding of the most determinant factors. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed to predict the concrete pavement behavior, when subjected to traffic loads and thermal curling. In order to verify the proposed model efficiency, the responses obtained in the numerical analysis were compared to results of existing instruments in the literature (Ohio test track, USP experimental pavement, and IPR / DNER experimental track). The developed model was used to evaluate the influence of factors such as slab and sub-base thickness, concrete, granular sub-base and cemented sub-base elastic modulus, slab length, slab and sub-base friction, and the thermal variations effect on the stresses and deformations. The numerical model allows the concrete pavement structural behavior prediction, and can help in the design improvement. The analysis demonstrated that thermal curling is essential for the dimensioning and, furthermore, concrete slab and cemented sub-base characteristics, such as thickness and elastic modulus, are the factors that most affect the pavement structural behavior.