Measurement and Analysis of Concrete Curling Slab Using Imbedded Sensors

A series of accelerated full-scale tests on rigid pavement were conducted to evaluate the concrete slab curling effects on the pavement design. Data from deflection sensors and embedded strain gages were acquired and analyzed along with the observed performance data. The collected data can be used for identifying the slab corner cracking and potentially giving the slab curling amount. Traffic tests were simulated using the finite element method in three dimensions and compared with sensor readings. A comparison of maximum tensile stresses between the curling slab and flat slab was performed. It was found that the critical stresses are located near the longitudinal joint in the curling model, the same as the distress observation of concrete slab.