Modeling of Rigid Pavements: Joint Shear Transfer Mechanisms and Finite Element Solutions Strategies

This report documents the modeling strategy and associated verification which permits analysis of multiple portland cement concrete (PCC) plain jointed slabs. Several subbase/soil layers below the slabs and separation of the slab and base layer are considered. Load effects include those associated with both multiple tire and linear temperature gradients. A technique for modeling aggregate interlock shear transfer across PCC pavement joints is developed and verified. The overall development is contained in the computer program EverFE. The computer program uses a graphical user interface which aids its use.